Kenny: Agency is not ‘bloated monster’

Taoiseach Enda Kenny has denied claims that Irish Water is turning into a ‘bloated monster’ and rejected accusations from both the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) and opposition TDs that the company is overstaffed.

Mr Kenny told the Dáil he disagreed with Prof John Fitzgerald’s claim earlier this week that Irish Water’s plans to employ 4,300 staff was way in excess of the 1,700 he believed was necessary to run the new semi-State company.

Mr Kenny was speaking during lively exchanges at leaders’ questions which prompted the Ceann Comhairle at one stage to threaten to resign if deputies continued to ignore his instructions over time keeping.