Fianna Fáil has called on the chairman of the Independent Commission set up to examine the future of water charges to consider his position.

Former senator Joe 0'Toole Picture: Tom Burke

Fianna Fáil has called on the chairman of the Independent Commission set up to examine the future of water charges to consider his position.

In a dramatic move on Monday, Fianna Fáil questioned whether former senator Joe O’Toole is suitable for the post following remarks he made in the media.

Mr O’Toole said in an interview that he favours paying water charges and seriously questioned the stance of left wing TDs such as Paul Murphy in relation to water charges.

Mr Murphy called for Mr O’Toole’s resignation this morning, however, Housing Minister Simon Coveney declined to be drawn on the issue. Later, Mr O’Toole dismissed the calls, adding that he intends to chair the commission in a fair and honest fashion.

But in a move that will heap pressure on Mr Coveney, Fianna Fáil TD Barry Cowen all but called for Mr O’Toole to step down.

“This new commission’s job is to independently and impartially examine the different options available for funding our water and wastewater systems into the future, before presenting these options to Dáil Éireann which will then decide,” Mr Cowen said.

“In his ill-judged comments to the media this morning, Mr O’Toole has seriously undermined his position as Chair. 

"For the commission’s process to enjoy public support, it is essential that those involved approach the question of funding with an open mind. 

"By making clear his view before the process of examination even begins and pre-empting the outcome, he has raised serious question marks about his suitability for this role.

“Mr O'Toole needs to reflect on the comments he has made and reflect on whether he is in a position to effectively lead the commission's work.”

Original article; Niall O'Connor, Irish Independent, July 4, 2016

Irish Water's €1m bill for travel

Staff at embattled utility clocked up over 1.7 million kilometres in one year

The under-fire semi-state company, which has been ravaged by controversy since its establishment, defended the spending and said the figure accounted for 3,641 work-related trips

Irish Water staff racked up a bill of nearly €1m last year on planes, trains and automobiles, the Sunday Independent can reveal.

Staff at the embattled utility clocked up more than 1.7 million kilometres while on duty in 2015, ultimately costing €874,751.18.

This substantial bill included all money spent on public transport, as well as flights, mileage and taxi fares for Irish Water employees last year.

Almost 90pc of the total - some €780,000 - pertained specifically to "car travel expenses", which according to Irish Water, included claims from staff submitted for "mileage, toll charges and car parking expenses".

A total of €15,542 was spent on flights, while €67,686.61 was spent on trains, Luas and bus fares, according to documents released to the Sunday Independent through a Freedom of Information request.

A separate €11,982 was spent on taxis by Irish Water in 2015, an average of almost €1,000 per month.

The under-fire semi-state company, which has been ravaged by controversy since its establishment, defended the spending and said the figure accounted for 3,641 work-related trips.

However, this means that each trip cost an average of almost €237 each.

Read more: Irish Water boss admits conflict of interest to board

Irish Water defended the bill and said the company's policy stipulates that its 700 staff in 14 different locations should use "public transport where possible and use their own car only when absolutely necessary".

It said: "Journeys by car, subsequently claimed back in expenses, should only be undertaken when there is absolutely no suitable option available on public transport.

"Travel expenses are paid upfront by the employee and claimed back as an itemised business expense. Receipts must be provided before an expense claim can be signed off by a supervisor."

Of the €15,542 spent on flights, the company said they were all booked in economy class and at the lowest available price.

It added: "All of the flights were taken within Europe, well over half of them were to the UK.

"Personnel travelled to attend expert conferences, visit other water utilities and to attend meetings with the purpose of developing best practice in Irish Water and to share our expertise around operational issues and asset management, among other business concerns.

"All flights were economy class and booked to take advantage of the lowest available fare."

 

Original article; Emma Jane Hade, Sunday Independent, July 3, 2016