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

I wish to reassure the Senator on the matter. I wholeheartedly concur with his comments in respect of water services staff and local authorities. They provide an exceptional level of service to communities. They are constantly on call winter and summer, as well as during emergencies throughout the year. We must and do give due regard to that wonderful level of service. We want to achieve a transition towards Irish Water with which they will be happy and such that they will be satisfied that they are being taken care of.

The issue of the referendum is critical as well. I want to give an assurance that the process with the Workplace Relations Commission is inclusive. We want to ensure that all parties are brought on board to create the transformation that we all require for the country to move forward.