Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Independent)
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115. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if there is funding available to assist jobseekers who wish to take the mandatory one day course in water meter installation, in view of the commitment to 25% of jobs going to jobseekers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48636/13]

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.

The completion of advance training is not a prerequisite for recruitment by a main contractor or by sub-contractors. Training is provided to all personnel who are recruited to be involved in the installation of water meters, irrespective of previous experience, and at no cost to the personnel.

The social inclusion commitment that forms part of the contracts for the metering programme requires 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.