Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses from Uisce Éireann for coming in. I have two sets of questions. A few weeks ago, other Oireachtas Members and I met a group of water workers. One of the issues they raised concerned the level of resources going to private contractors. They told us that a huge amount of Uisce Éireann's resources and budget is now being allocated to private contractors. These water workers were raising the issue of the loss of the local knowledge and experience they had built up over many years and the different types of costs that stem from this loss.

Another aspect they raised was a specific example of what has changed. They told us that Uisce Éireann was now paying private contractors to replace a valve at a cost of €83,000. For direct labour, from directly-employed water workers, they told us that the equivalent highest cost, were this work to happen on a Sunday, for example, when there would be extra pay, would be €18,000. Will the witnesses respond to these figures? Are they correct or does Uisce Éireann have any analysis done of the different costs involved in paying for direct labour compared to private contractors?