31/05/2013

Call for Clarity On Water Service Jobs

Fianna Fáil has called on the Environment Minister Phil Hogan to immediately clarify the job security of the 4,200 people currently employed in water services nationwide.

The party's Environment Spokesperson Barry Cowen has welcomed the announcement by Irish Water of 400 new call-centre jobs in Cork, but has said it is totally unacceptable that those currently working in water services still face an uncertain future.

"It is a year since Minister Hogan announced the establishment of Irish Water. The 4,200 people currently employed in water services in local authorities around the country have spent that year completely in the dark while the Minister refuses to make any commitment to their job security," Deputy Cowen said.

"We now have another example of Minister Hogan rushing to the stage for yet another PR announcement, while leaving thousands of local authority workers in limbo. The Minister’s preoccupation with spin over substance has created chaos and confusion every step of the way, from his completely unrealistic timelines, to his inability to back up his promises and his refusal to be upfront with the public."

(CD)

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