Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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122. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if he will support a matter (details supplied) regarding water meters. [48556/13]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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The Water Services Act 2013 provides for the establishment of Irish Water as an independent subsidiary within the Bord Gáis Éireann Group and assigns the necessary powers to allow Irish Water to undertake the water metering programme. 

Regional management contractors were appointed by Irish Water following a public tendering process. These contractors have responsibility for appointing sub-contractors and it is expected they will utilise the resources of sub-contractors from a pre-qualified panel created by my Department.  The contracts for the metering programme require that a minimum of 25% of the jobs be allocated to people on the live register, small businesses and school leavers/graduates gaining employment. Irish Water has informed my Department that since the start of metering in August, over 50% of people employed have come from the social inclusion target groups.