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

The amendments take account of consultations with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and also with Irish Water and the local authorities. The agreed approach at the Irish Water consultative group needs to be reflected in this legislation. It is necessary to recognise that there will be future costs arising for Irish Water in respect of staff transferring to it from the public sector. This section provides a mechanism for the Minister to provide funding to Irish Water in respect of these costs.