Tony McLoughlin (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the county managers, particularly, Mr. Jackie Maguire, with whom I have worked for a number of years, and Mr. Daniel McLoughlin, who started out in Sligo, as well as all of their colleagues.

Irish Water is one of the main topics at the present. There are concerns within local authorities in regard to staffing, in particular, who will be employed by Irish Water and who by the local authorities. The witnesses might comment. I know of people in both of the counties I represent who have worked in the water divisions of local authorities for many years. They are concerned as to where their future lies after 2015, and whether it will be with Irish Water or the local authorities or whether there will be a job for them at all. That is the first point.

Second, Mr. McLoughlin mentioned the new CEO positions. Personally, I welcome this change because it will be more businesslike having CEOs as opposed to county managers. It will be more or less a board of directors and a CEO. What is the current position? Is it a seven year contract for the first phase as county manager and then a rolling contract for the second phase?

Another major issue for the public representatives and officials in all counties is that of rates. I see this in counties Sligo and Leitrim, where there are huge concerns and there is conflict between the county councils and the Valuation Office in regard to rates. It is a major issue that will have to be resolved in some way. In their capacity as county managers, is there anything that can be done to try to resolve this under the new Bill? It is a major concern for every business, every employer and every property owner at present. It is an issue that will not go away. The Minister maintains that the Valuation Office is untouchable but perhaps the county managers will have a role to play in the future.