Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Yesterday I asked the Taoiseach questions about the establishment of Irish Water, particularly whether he could confirm that senior members of local authorities had left their positions in local authorities with very generous pension lump sums - in one case totalling up to €340,000 and in another case €270,000 - before moving seamlessly to Irish Water, where they will again receive very high salaries and top-up bonuses as well. The Taoiseach refused to answer the question yesterday. Irish Water also refused to answer the question or to confirm or deny the allegation. Does the Taoiseach accept that this has happened - that very senior members of local authorities who have received very generous packages, totalling up to €340,000 with pensions, are being employed by Irish Water? Does the Taoiseach consider it right that this should happen and that such staff should move into positions where there will be top-up bonuses in addition to what they already have? Does he think it is fair or right and does he stand over it?

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