Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy the raising this point. The Bill provides that the payment of accrued pension benefits to local authority staff who transfer to Irish Water or Uisce Éireann, either now or following the termination of a service level agreement, will not be imposed on city and council councils. Councils will not have to pay.

The service level agreement will provide for the payment by Uisce Éireann of existing water service pensioners for the duration of the agreement. I confirm that the County and City Managers Association which has been centrally involved at all times in every aspect of the Bill in the oversight of the reform programme has also been given very clear commitments by my Department. These commitments address other pension liabilities in respect of water service employees who, on the termination of a service level agreement, opt to remain in employment with a council rather than transfer to Irish Water. I hope that satisfactorily answers the Deputy's question.

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