Derek Nolan (Galway West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

This is an important section because pensions are dear to people and cause a great deal of concern. People pay into their pension schemes for long periods to ensure they have certainty and security in retirement. It is important, therefore, that absolute clarity is provided when a new body such as Irish Water is being created and employees are transferring from Ervia, the local authorities and the Local Government Management Agency. As we have seen with many pension schemes, major problems can arise where there is any legal doubt or ambiguity, with the result that people take legal action and go before the courts. It is important that this does not happen in the case of Irish Water. The company's employees must have certainty.

I have been engaging with a number of workers in Galway who are transferring to Irish Water on pensions. Their trade union representatives in SIPTU and other unions have been also engaging with the Minister on the issue and I am pleased to note that this engagement has fed into the amendments.

On the bonus culture, I also understand the Minister, Irish Water and the board of Ervia have announced that the first task of the new board will be to produce a new pay structure, with a view to establishing a payment system in Irish Water that enjoys the confidence of staff and those who pay for water. People must know that the revenue from the bills they pay for a water service are used effectively.

Clarity has been provided to address the concerns of workers in respect of pay, conditions and entitlements. It is important that this is copperfastened in the Bill. In the period ahead, a new pay structure must be also introduced that will provide people with comfort that pay in Irish Water is fair, reasonable and transparent and enjoys public confidence. I welcome the amendments.

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