Barry Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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115. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the steps he has taken to address concerns over the wages and conditions of contractors hired to install water meters across the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12007/14]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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The management of the procurement for the domestic metering programme is a matter for Irish Water. Four regional main contractors covering eight meter regions were appointed by Irish Water following a public tendering process and all of the contracts were awarded in full compliance with public procurement rules. These contractors have responsibility for appointing sub-contractors who are responsible for recruiting suitably qualified staff to carry out the work. The hiring of sub-contractors is undertaken by the regional contractors in accordance with the pay and employment conditions of the contracts set out by Irish Water. These provide for rates of pay and conditions of employment, including pension, which are in line with the former Construction Industry Registered Agreements.

Irish Water has confirmed to my Department that it has engaged an auditor to conduct random audits on metering contractors. Irish Water is satisfied that its contractors are currently compliant with all of the contract terms in relation to pay and conditions (including sick pay, death in service benefit and pensions). Its auditing process has identified a low number of incidents of non-compliance. When this has happened, contractors were given a short timeframe to become fully compliant and Irish Water continues to work with the contractors to investigate and rectify any issues. The audit process will remain in place for the duration of the metering programme and any issues identified or raised in relation to contractors will be promptly addressed.