Pat Carey (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)

On the first question, the recent action taken by a senior civil servant against Waterways Ireland and the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure on alleged mismanagement was settled in the High Court. The settlement was for a sum of £50,000 plus costs, without admission of liability, shared equally at 50% each between the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure and Waterways Ireland. I am satisfied that the difficulties which Waterways Ireland experienced have been addressed and are behind it.

I will have to refer back to the Deputy about the overtime issue because I do not have the details to give him a comprehensive response. With regard to the flooding, Waterways Ireland's work at the end of last year also included an unexpected element when Ireland experienced the highest level of flood water on record. Although Waterways Ireland is not responsible for the water levels on the navigations, the organisation strived to minimise the damage to property and assisted where possible, often involving its team working in hazardous conditions. I will seek a more detailed response from Waterways Ireland on the matter and refer back to the Deputy as soon as possible on it.

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