John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)

The previous reply I gave to the Deputy on the matter is correct. The Deputy put other questions, initially regarding the amount of money involved. The €500 million for 2009 is a substantial amount. Although there has been reference to a reduction of €60 million on the €560 million envisaged in the 2009 Estimates, it should be stated very clearly that the provision represents an increase of 1% on last year's outturn, even taking into account a very difficult economic position. This reflects the Government's ongoing commitment to the water services sector.

This year's provision can be compared to previous years. In 2008 and 2007 the outturn was €496 million, in 2006 it was €465 million and in 2005 it was €419 million. There has been substantial progress and I am very proud, as a Green Party Minister, that we have managed to target that investment on a critical area.

Some €100 million of the €500 million has already been allocated to the water services authorities, mainly for works on group schemes, leaving €400 million for the continued financing of major schemes under the water services investment programme. Investment under the programme will support over 4,000 jobs in the construction sector this year, which is essential, and many additional jobs in the manufacturing and operating areas and maintaining new infrastructure posts.

Although the 2009 provision has been reduced, this must be set against the background of much more competitive tendering. We are getting very good value for money, with up to 20% of a reduction in costs.

The last issue referred to by the Deputy was the public service embargo and the need to upskill staff. There have been some erroneous reports that we are stopping certain recruitment. There was a recent report that lifeguards could no longer be employed but that is untrue. We will ensure that the people required for this very important work will be put in place. The commitment is real and can be seen in the amount of money we will invest.

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