Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Some of the next few groupings do not have that much in them and there is a lot to get through here so I do not intend to hold up proceedings. This is a small change although not a radical one from what was initially outlined, but it inverts the process to some extent in that both local authorities come up with the plan together, whereas in the original Bill there was an expectation that the city council would outline what it required. That said, the proposed method could work just as well. I am conscious that amendment No. 26 seems to indicate that once the process is completed, provided there is agreement between them, the obligation rests entirely on the county council to designate the staff who are to transfer. The potential for the Minister to interfere comes before that. Could we have a situation where generally it looks as if there is agreement but at the last stage of the process things are slowed down, although probably not permanently? This mechanism seems to vest more control in the county council for the transfer of staff across to the city council than was previously the case.

I appreciate both local authorities probably feel the three-month notice period is necessary given that the timeframe is tight but is it absolutely necessary as three months is tight enough for an employee to change his or her responsibilities or, potentially, place of work, which might be the case especially for outdoor staff.