325. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he is aware of a dispute between Dublin City Council and staff who worked in the leakage department who decided not to transfer to Uisce Éireann; if he will intervene to ensure that Dublin City Council meets its obligations under the service level agreements to ensure these workers are reassigned to suitable vacancies in other areas of council work while maintaining their current pay, conditions and rostered hours; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48460/26]

Under section 159 of the Local Government Act, 2001, Chief Executives have responsibility for the staffing and organisational arrangements necessary for carrying out the functions of the local authority for which they are responsible.

I continue to support the commitment given by my predecessor, whereby local authority water service employees who wish to remain in the local authority will be facilitated. I understand both Uisce Éireann and local authorities have written to undecided water services workers asking them to choose as soon as possible. I would ask the workers concerned to consider their position the three-year transition period ends this December. I am advised that onboarding takes about three months and there is a lead in time to move to Uisce Éireann. If a water service worker decides to remain with their local authority, the sooner they decide and engage with the Human Resources team, the sooner the employee can be guided through the reassignment process, to help make the transition to the new role.