Mr. Daniel McLoughlin:

I will deal with that question first and will ask my colleagues to come in on some of the other points. I am aware of the argument in regard to democratic representation. The group that was before the committee prior to us was in a better position to answer that. In regard to management escaping, I would point out that, as part of the local government efficiency review report, a commitment was made to reduce senior positions and a workforce planning report was prepared by the CCMA for the sector some 18 months ago. Directors of services, who are the second tier, have been reduced from 240 to 190 as part of that process, which is a very significant reduction. There has also been a reduction of 15% in grades immediately below that, such as senior engineers and senior executive officers. County managers are being reduced in regard to the amalgamations and, at a later point, Mr. Conn Murray might like to comment on amalgamations generally.

I will move on to the question of the appointment of managers and the related provision in the new Bill. The CCMA's concern is as follows. As it stands, the process is that the Public Appointments Service recruits for senior positions throughout the public service across the Garda, the health service, local authorities, county managers and so on, and has been doing so for decades. The integrity of that process is understood and accepted by everyone. However, the provision in the Bill allows a council through its inaction - it does not have to do anything - to undermine that process, effectively, in that if it does not make a determination within three months, the person does not get appointed. The Bill makes no provision as to why that might be. We feel this puts the local elected members in a very vulnerable position, although that is simply our view on the matter.

I will let Mr. Connor talk about Irish Water and will then go back to Mr. Maguire in regard to property tax and related issues and to Mr. Murray in regard to members and additional functions, if that is okay with the Chairman.