Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

Gabhaim buíochas leis an Seanadóir as an gceist seo a ardú. The Government published a policy paper, Irish Water - Towards a National Publicly-Owned Regulated Water Services Utility, in February which sets out its views and expectations on the next phase of transformation in the water sector. This will involve the integration of the public water system within the organisational structure of Irish Water. This will complete the broad policy and legislative reforms that have seen public water services embark on a journey of transformation from a structure based on locally organised water services authorities towards a single, national water utility in public ownership. In setting out its views and expectations on the next phase of the water sector transformation programme in this way, the Government is enabling stakeholders to engage in a meaningful change process that will give them the strongest possible say in determining their future working arrangements.

Significant issues relating to the workforce remain to be addressed in the context of integrating the day-to-day operation and delivery of water services within Irish Water. To resolve these issues, my colleague, the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Deputy Darragh O'Brien, has tasked the Workplace Relations Commission to recommence engagement on water sector transformation with all parties aimed at reaching a collective agreement on a framework for the future delivery of water services. This engagement is currently under way, although the inability to hold face-to-face discussions due to the Covid-19 restrictions has hampered the process. I imagine the Senator will appreciate that is a challenge and it is important that these discussions can take place face to face as that is the best way forward. I understand, however, that the discussions will take place in the coming weeks in line with the current relaxation of restrictions.

Change is difficult for any workforce and I am fully aware that many in local government services do not necessarily wish to see changes to the current arrangements, as the Senator has outlined. However, the fact that the Government has decided that Irish Water is to become a fully integrated direct labour national public utility means the status quois not an option. Continued uncertainty about the future does a disservice to everyone currently employed in water services within local authorities. It is important , therefore, that the parties to the transformation process engage intensively in the coming weeks at the Workplace Relations Commission to agree an outcome that will deliver for all parties and for the greater good. The Government believes it will be possible to reach a collective agreement that addresses the interests and concerns of all parties.

Senator Gallagher raised a second matter. It is certainly is the case that there is a commitment in the programme for Government to refer the issue of the environment, including water and its place in the Constitution, to the relevant joint committee for consideration, namely, the Joint Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage. My role includes responsibility for electoral reform. We have a schedule of proposed referenda throughout the lifetime of this Government. It is not my intention, and I do I believe it would be appropriate, to hold a number of referenda on the same day. I believe it is important that we hold a stand-alone referendum on this issue as to do otherwise would dilute the message - excuse the pun - and dilute what we are trying to achieve with this referendum. In any event, , I am keen to give the assurance that this referendum is significant and important in assuring the people on the issue of ownership of water infrastructure in public hands for the common good. It is important to emphasise that. The policy paper on water transformation agreed by Government further commits the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to consult with the Irish Congress of Trade Unions' local authority group of unions in respect of the proposed referendum. I hope that offers some assurance to the Senator on the questions posed and to the utility workers currently within local government around the transformation process.

The process is in place for the common good of all. We hope it will lead to a robust and transformative process around regulation and the provision of critical water infrastructure for the country for nature, for biodiversity and for communities.