Diarmuid Wilson (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 40:

In page 14, lines 29 and 30, to delete "have regard to Government or nationally agreed guidelines" and substitute "be compelled to Government or nationally agreed guidelines".

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy O'Dowd, back to the House. We will try to get through our business as quickly as possible this evening. I am moving these amendments on behalf of my colleague, Senator Brian Ó Domhnaill, who cannot be here. Amendment No. 40 compels Irish Water to set down Government or nationally agreed guidelines on salary payscales. The proposals in the Bill only make it necessary for Irish Water to have regard to Government or nationally agreed guidelines. Fianna Fáil believes we cannot have a scenario where there would be no salary upper limit. Currently, other utility companies are paying salaries in the region of €600,000 per annum to their CEOs, which is not acceptable. Amendment No. 41 compels Irish Water to comply with directives in regard to remuneration, allowances, terms or conditions the Minister may give. This is important for public accountability.