gandalf wrote: » The thing about the gym is that it is only for the head office staff. The poor smucks manning the call centre lines at Abtran in Cork won't benefit from it and I am fairly positive that they will be contract staff with minimal benefits!
Bongalongherb wrote: » It's all gone to the dogs now with comments like the above. Oh god, now we have two fitness fanatics derailing this thread. Bye Bye.
StarshipPooper wrote: » Learn to engage in a debate.
StarshipPooper wrote: » Just because the gym turned out to be a waste there doesn't mean it'll be a waste in IW where the demographics, working hours, lifestyles etc may be entirely different
My name is URL wrote: » I'm going to go ahead and put all my chips down on the chance that the demographic and lifestyles of the top brasses in IW, will rather closely resemble that of TD's.
StarshipPooper wrote: » Is it only the top brasses that have access to the gym?
My name is URL wrote: » Do canteen staff or cleaners get to use the one in the Dail? The question is moot. The gym is in the Dublin office, and the majority of IW staff are located outside of Dublin.
StarshipPooper wrote: » Well that's a fair point so, I don't know how many staff have access to the gym but if it's only top brass then yes it's a waste of money.
Irish Steve wrote: » Bluntly, so does the political system that made it happen in the first place. FG's arrogance in all of this is incredible, and having watched the video of the political broadcast from 2007 earlier in the thread, at least its clear why Enda is keeping his head down, there's no way he can stand in front of the people with any credibility any longer.
So, where does this thread go now. Clearly its being derailed by diversionary themes, the reason it was getting so much activity is that it was (successfully) highlighting the shortcomings of IW and the political system. Its now being dragged down to arguing about employee fitness and gym usage.
It is reported today that the term of the fixed rate on water charges could be extended. Reports this morning claim the Government is looking at the possibility to allow for more meters to be installed, and to allow people get used to controlling their usage. Currently, the fixed rate - called an equivalent assessed charge, which varies by how many people occupy the premises - is due to last nine months to the middle of next year. It also applies to homes without a meter. It is understood an extension is being seriously considered, although it is not yet known how long it could be.
Irish Steve wrote: » IW (AS A CONCEPT), forget the specific company that's in place right now HAS to happen in order to take water in all of its aspects out of political control and influence, as political influence and control is what has made the whole water situation the mess and shambles that it has become, with the worst leakage rates in Europe, and questionable quality that has been allowed to continue for way longer and in more areas that should ever have been acceptable.
Infoanon wrote: » IW are to be given more powers to ensure compliance according to the latest govt leaks (excuse the pun), watch this one play out today.
Another problem is that water charges are not administered by the Revenue Commissioners, as is the property tax. Irish Water is therefore lacking the fear factor the Revenue provides, and some Coalition sources say it may be given more powers to improve compliance.
_Kaiser_ wrote: » Political suicide though if they attempt to get Revenue involved at this stage (like they did with the LPT) to intimidate people. Government could collapse within days.
Barely There wrote: » Doubt it. The majority of the population who pay their taxes would view it as regrettable but unsurprising that a big stick is required to get the leeches in our society to pay their fair share.
_Kaiser_ wrote: » By all means though continue with the lazy (and inaccurate) stereotyping
Barely There wrote: » Tell you what. I'll continue referring to people who won't pay their taxes as leeches and you can continue building strawman arguments.
_Kaiser_ wrote: » Ah the oft used Strawman response to look clever while not addressing the point raised. Off ya go so. Side note though - this is supposedly a UTILITY, not a TAX (or at least that what we keep getting told)
Barely There wrote: » You don't have one.
Rojomcdojo wrote: » A stick to ensure compliance, or a stick to ensure that their croney waster mates keep their jobs on the board, bonus culture and billions to spend on consultancy due to their complete lack of knowledge and competency? To paint this as a straight issue of paying a 'tax' or not is completely disingenuous
_Kaiser_ wrote: » Sorry, I'm too busy to engage in silly tit for tat with lazy stereotyping, deflecting, and claims of strawmanning. It does seem to be the default tactic of the pro-side in this thread though. As I said, work away though
Barely There wrote: » Delicious irony.
Barely There wrote: » Amazing the way some people always have a handy reason as to why they think they can justify not paying their tax.:rolleyes:
Highflyer13 wrote: » So you are basically saying water charges is another stealth tax being hidden as a utility?