Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)

I am examining the term of office of the managers and the role they would have, in conjunction with the board of directors, who are the democratically elected people in local government. The chief executive officer is the manager but the board of directors should be the elected members. The balance between management, managers and local elected members is under discussion. The term of office is also included with that and will have to fit in with the wider public service reform proposals which the Minister, Deputy Howlin, is working on.

With regard to water and related staff, I am anxious to maintain the local expertise and knowledge that has been developed over many years in local government to enhance the delivery of the Irish water entity that will ultimately have to come to Government for decision. I expect this will be between now and the end of this Dáil session. The question of how many staff will be required and what role local government will play is obviously under discussion. I expect that local government staff will continue to play a very meaningful role in the delivery of our water services.

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