Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will ask the Minister, Deputy Humphreys, to answer the Deputy Naughten's question at the end.

With regard to Deputy Griffin's question, Uisce Éireann has statutory responsibility for all aspects of water services, planning delivery and operation. However, my offer made inquiries with Uisce Éireann on this issue today. I am informed there are two separate approved construction projects for this year. The section from Boolteens to Farran is designed and the plan is for the replacement of approximately 1.6 km of network. It will commence in July. The section from the Inch water treatment plant to the main road is under design and the plan is for the replacement of 2.2 km of network to commence once the first project is completed.

With regard to firefighters, I recognise the incredible work done by our firefighters, both retained and directly employed, putting themselves at risk to keep us safe. In particular, I will pay tribute to Dublin Fire Brigade for the work it did in getting a fire under control very quickly in my constituency, at Falcon's View in Blanchardstown. A report was done on the retained fire service, carried out by Coyne Research. The Government accepted the findings of the report. Negotiations took place under the chairmanship of Mr. David Begg. However, following proposals from the staff side, discussions on priority hire issues, remuneration and work-life balance were moved to third-party facilitation under Mr. Ultan Courtney. Progress was made during those discussions. However, it has not been possible to reach positive conclusions to that process that satisfy all parties. SIPTU has notified all local authorities of its intention to take industrial action from 6 June. I should point out that the State's offices, such as the Workplace Relations Commission and the Labour Court are always available as an option for further intervention.

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