{"id":11987,"date":"2022-06-08T21:51:58","date_gmt":"2022-06-08T21:51:58","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/legalblog.ie\/?p=11987"},"modified":"2024-03-08T23:43:02","modified_gmt":"2024-03-08T23:43:02","slug":"irish-water","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/irish-water\/","title":{"rendered":"Irish Water"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_63 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/irish-water\/#Establishment\" title=\"Establishment\">Establishment<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/irish-water\/#Organisation\" title=\"Organisation\">Organisation<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/irish-water\/#Finance\" title=\"Finance\">Finance<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/irish-water\/#Accounts\" title=\"Accounts\">Accounts<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/irish-water\/#Functions\" title=\"Functions\">Functions<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/irish-water\/#Transfer_of_Functions\" title=\"Transfer of Functions\">Transfer of Functions<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/irish-water\/#Codes_and_Plans\" title=\"Codes and Plans\">Codes and Plans<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/irish-water\/#Regulator\" title=\"Regulator\">Regulator<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/irish-water\/#Irish_Water_BGE_Ervia\" title=\"Irish Water &amp; BGE (Ervia)\">Irish Water &amp; BGE (Ervia)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/irish-water\/#Misc\" title=\"Misc\">Misc<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/irish-water\/#2022_Act_Uisce_Eireann\" title=\"2022 Act Uisce Eireann\">2022 Act Uisce Eireann<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/irish-water\/#Governance\" title=\"Governance\">Governance<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/irish-water\/#Accounts-2\" title=\"Accounts\">Accounts<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/irish-water\/#Transfer_from_Ervia\" title=\"Transfer from Ervia\">Transfer from Ervia<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Establishment\"><\/span>Establishment<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The Water Services Act 2013 provided for the establishment of Irish Water.\u00a0 It is \u00a0a subsidiary of Bord G\u00e1is \u00c9ireann.\u00a0 It is established under the Companies Act.<\/p>\n<p>Irish Water was incorporated in July 2013 as a semi-state company under the Water Services Act 2013.\u00a0 It is to provide water and wastewater services as a single national provider.<\/p>\n<p>As Uisce \u00c9ireann (Irish Water) will took over local authority water services from 1 January 2023, it will be necessary to rebrand relevant local authority vehicles and premises with the Uisce \u00c9ireann logo.<\/p>\n<p><em>\u00a0<\/em>Irish Water is incorporated as a private company under the Companies Act.\u00a0 The Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government may issue directions to Irish Water requiring it to comply with government policies as specified.\u00a0 The consent of the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources is required.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Organisation\"><\/span>Organisation<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>There are standard provisions in the legislation for recruitment of staff, maintenance of superannuation plans, including provisions relevant to former local authority employees.\u00a0 The Minister may make payments to Irish Water in relation to superannuation and the cost of members of staff accepted into the employment of Irish Water.<\/p>\n<p>The Minister of the Environment Community and Local Government with the consent of the Minister for Finance is to consent to the terms of the Memorandum and Articles of Association of Irish Water.\u00a0 Bord G\u00e1is \u00c9ireann holds one share, and 50% of the remaining shares are issued to each of the Minister for the Environment and the Minister for Finance, respectively.\u00a0 The shares issued to the ministers are non-voting shares.<\/p>\n<p>Bord G\u00e1is \u00c9ireann may not dispose of its shares without the consent of the Minister for Environment and Minister for Finance.<\/p>\n<p>The detailed Memorandum and Articles of Association are to be approved by the Minister for the Environment, the Minister for Communications and the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.\u00a0 There are various provisions written into the Memorandum and Articles in relation to the offices of director.\u00a0 There are restrictions on director\u2019s holdings certain incompatible offices.\u00a0 There are statutory obligations on directors to disclose interests.<\/p>\n<p>There are also statutory obligations on employees of the new company who have a material interest in any contract or arrangement proposed to disclose the same to the company.\u00a0 They are not to take part in any negotiations or deliberations whatsoever in relation to the contract or arrangement.\u00a0 They are not to influence or seek to influence any decision relating to the matter.\u00a0 This does not apply to employment contracts.<\/p>\n<p>There are statutory restrictions on disclosure of confidential information binding on directors\/consultants and advisors.<\/p>\n<p>The 2014 Act made a number of amendments to \u00a0pensions provision in respect of Irish Water.\u00a0 Irish Water is confirmed not to be liable for past service of officers of the Minister or local authorities, other than due the effect of any increase in pension or remuneration by Irish Water.\u00a0 The cost of pension provision for \u00a0past service for such employees remains funded by State.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Finance\"><\/span>Finance<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The Bord G\u00e1is \u00c9ireann may borrow monies with the consent of the Ministers for the Environment, Communication, Energy and Natural Resources, Finance and Public Expenditure.\u00a0 The subsidiary may borrow money with the consent of the various ministries.\u00a0 Aggregate borrowings are not to exceed \u20ac500 million.<\/p>\n<p>The Minister may make grants out of public monies to Bord G\u00e1is \u00c9ireann, Irish Water or the Commission for Energy Regulation.<\/p>\n<p>The consent of the Minister for Environment and Public Expenditure is required in respect of capital expenditure above certain limits.\u00a0 This is specified by the above ministers from time to time by order.<\/p>\n<p>The Irish Water has power to borrow money with \u00a0the consent of the Minister for Environment, Communications; Minister for Finance and Minister for Public Expenditure.\u00a0 The aggregate amount of value is limited to \u20ac2 billion.<\/p>\n<p>The Minister for the Environment may make grants to Irish Water or the CER.\u00a0 In determining the provision of a grant, the Minister may consider the investment plan provided by Irish Water.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Accounts\"><\/span>Accounts<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The Irish Water is to keep proper accounts of income and expenditure and of all other money spent and received.\u00a0 Special accounts are to be kept in such form as the Minister for the Environment shall direct with the consent of the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources and the Minister for Public Expenditure.<\/p>\n<p>There is provision for submission of audited accounts annually to the Minister who shall lay them before the Oireachtas.\u00a0 The Irish Water is to prepare a report in the performance of activities in the area of water supply in the previous period annually.\u00a0 The Minister is to lay the report before the Oireachtas.<\/p>\n<p>Irish Water began to take over the responsibilities of local authorities in water and sewage areas in January 2014.\u00a0 It was to be fully established by 2019, by which stage it was expected to be responsible for the operation of public water services, including<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\u00a0management of national water assets,<\/li>\n<li>maintenance of the water system,<\/li>\n<li>investment planning,<\/li>\n<li>managing capital.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>It is also to be responsible for capital and investment decisions regarding the national water infrastructure.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Functions\"><\/span>Functions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The functions of Irish Water under the legislation include the following:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>roll-out of the water metering programme;<\/li>\n<li>abstraction,<\/li>\n<li>treatment and distribution of drinking water;<\/li>\n<li>collection and treatment of wastewater and sludge disposal;<\/li>\n<li>strategic management of water management resources;<\/li>\n<li>sourcing private investment finance in capital projects;<\/li>\n<li>customer billing and relationship management;<\/li>\n<li>conservation of water supplies.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Transfer_of_Functions\"><\/span>Transfer of Functions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The Water Services (No.2) Act 2013 provided for the transfer of functions, property and staff in respect of water services and sewage services from local authorities to Irish Water.\u00a0 The Local Government (Delimitation of Water Supply Disconnection Powers) Act, 1995 was repealed.<\/p>\n<p>The local authorities continued to have powers that were transferred to Irish Water and were necessary for the performance of local authority functions under other legislation.\u00a0 This includes domestic wastewater treatment systems and rural water services.<\/p>\n<p>The legislation transfers all assets including buildings, water service infrastructure, vehicles, pipes, sewers and money from the relevant local authorities to Irish Water.\u00a0 Staff were transferred.\u00a0 There was provision for consultation and agreement between local authorities and Irish Water in relation to transfer of staff.<\/p>\n<p>The Minister may make an order for water services property to be transferred from a local authority to Irish Water.\u00a0 Loans associated with the property are not automatically transferred.\u00a0 Transfer by the Minister shall not be treated as a disposal of property by the local authority.\u00a0 There is a provision to ensure that there was no adverse impact on the financial standing of the local authorities arising from the transfer of assets from the local authority to Irish Water.<\/p>\n<p>Irish Water may enter agreements with local authorities by which local authorities provide services on behalf of Irish Water.\u00a0 The Minister may direct Irish Water and local authorities to enter such agreements and specify the functions to be included.\u00a0 It may include provision for standards to be met by a local authority and to deliver services on behalf of Irish Water.<\/p>\n<p>The initial agreement between Irish Water and the local authority is subject to review after the second and seventh years.\u00a0 It was intended that the initial agreement is for 12 years unless there is a significant failure on the part of local authorities to provide services under the agreement.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Codes_and_Plans\"><\/span>Codes and Plans<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Codes of practice may be prepared by Irish Water for approval by the Commission for Energy Regulation. They will make provision for customer service standards, billing, methods of payment of water charges, provision of information to customers and other matters deemed necessary by the Commission.<\/p>\n<p>Irish Water is to prepare a strategic plan for water services to be submitted to the minister.\u00a0 It is to set out the objectives of Irish Water in respect of the 25 year period following approval of the plan and the means by which it proposes to achieve its objective.<\/p>\n<p>In preparing the water services strategic plan, Irish Water is to have regard to proper planning and sustainable development, ensuring insofar as practicable that the plan is consistent with the national spatial strategy, visual planning guidelines and river basin management plan.\u00a0 The policy must consider policy factors, including housing strategies, strategic development, and water quality plans.<\/p>\n<p>Irish Water is to prepare investment plans where it considers investment in infrastructure is necessary to perform its functions. It must take into account the water services strategic plan above, other policy considerations, including local area plans, regional planning guidelines, and any strategic development zone.<\/p>\n<p>Before undertaking investment, Irish Water is to consult with the Environmental Protection Agency, regional bodies in whose area the investment plan is likely to apply and each planning authority in respect of whose functional area the investment plan is to apply.\u00a0 The investment plan is prepared for a two year period after the transfer date.\u00a0 Future plans will be for durations determined by the CER.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Regulator\"><\/span>Regulator<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The Commission for Energy Regulation may do all things necessary or expedient for the purpose of the performance of water regulatory functions.\u00a0 The Commission may advise the government in relation to the development of \u00a0policy in relation to regulation of the provision of water services.\u00a0 The Commission may consult with BGE, Irish Water and water services authority for the purpose of this provision.<\/p>\n<p>Water regulatory functions include settling charges for water services, specification of minimum standards, and protection of the interests of consumers.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Irish_Water_BGE_Ervia\"><\/span>Irish Water &amp; BGE (Ervia)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The legislation transfers the provisions in relation to charging for water services from the water services authority to Bord G\u00e1is \u00c9ireann and Irish Water.\u00a0 They are to be performable in the same manner as they would have been performable by a water service authority.\u00a0 They are to be subject to the same consents and conditions which would have applied.<\/p>\n<p>BGE is to keep accounts of monies received or expended in the performance of its functions.\u00a0 The format is to be approved by the Minister for the Environment with the consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure.<\/p>\n<p>BGE is to submit a report on its activities to the Minister for the Environment and the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources.\u00a0 The Minister is to lay the annual report before the Houses of the Oireachtas.<\/p>\n<p>The Minister for the Environment may give directions to BGE regarding the performance of its functions.\u00a0 The consent of the Minister for Communication, Energy and Natural Resources is required for the direction.\u00a0 BGE and Irish Water must comply with the directions.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Misc\"><\/span>Misc<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Land used for the provision of public water services is not rateable for the purpose of domestic rates and the valuation act.\u00a0 This exemption applies to Irish Water for the provision of water supply and waste water treatment and to group water supplies.<\/p>\n<p>Provision is made for the increase in the maximum number of members of the Board of Ervia.<\/p>\n<p>Irish Water may request a person to provide information required for its functions.\u00a0 A relevant person is obliged to comply with the request.\u00a0 BGE has an equivalent authority to require and obtain information.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2022_Act_Uisce_Eireann\"><\/span>2022 Act Uisce Eireann<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The purpose of the Act is to provide for the separation of Uisce \u00c9ireann (Irish Water) from Ervia and its establishment as the standalone national authority for water services. As part of the change the authority shall be known by its Irish name, Uisce \u00c9ireann.<\/p>\n<p>The Act provides for a new Board and Chief Executive Officer of Uisce \u00c9ireann. It includes revised accountability and auditing arrangements such that Uisce \u00c9ireann will be accountable to a Committee of D\u00e1il \u00c9ireann as well as being subject to audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General.<\/p>\n<p>It provides for the transfer of certain staff, rights and, liabilities and records from Ervia to Uisce \u00c9ireann.<\/p>\n<p>Expenses incurred by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage in administrating the Act shall be paid out of monies provided by the Oireachtas as sanctioned by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.\u00a0The Act removes Ervia&#8217;s functions relating to Irish Water.<\/p>\n<p>Irish Water is to be known only by its name in the Irish language, Uisce \u00c9ireann. This change in name is to take place on and from the day immediately before the appointed day. References in any enactment, legal proceedings or other document to Irish Water are to be construed as references to Uisce \u00c9ireann.<\/p>\n<p>Irish Water was formed as a subsidiary of Ervia under the Water Services Act 2013. References to \u2018the subsidiary\u2019 in the Principal Act are replaced by \u2018Uisce \u00c9ireann\u2019.<\/p>\n<p>The Minister is to appoint a day to be the day on which Uisce \u00c9ireann ceases to be a subsidiary of Ervia. All shares in Uisce \u00c9ireann issued to Ervia are cancelled on this appointed day.<\/p>\n<p>New shares in Uisce \u00c9ireann are issued to the Minster for Housing, Local Government and Heritage and to the Minster for Public Expenditure and Reform. Provision is also included for Uisce \u00c9ireann to issue more shares to the Ministers from time to time.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Governance\"><\/span>Governance<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Uisce \u00c9ireann is the national authority for relevant water services functions under the Water Services Acts. The constitution of Uisce \u00c9ireann will be consistent with the provisions of the Companies Act and the Water Services Act 2013. No alterations to the constitution will be valid without the prior approval of the Minister and the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.<\/p>\n<p>Uisce \u00c9ireann is to have a board of at least 5 and not more than 10 directors, including a chairperson and the chief executive officer, each of whom is appointed by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage with the consent of the Minster for Public Expenditure and Reform. The Board requires a quorum of 3 Directors to act. Directors can be appointed for a period not exceeding 5 years.<\/p>\n<p>There is a provision for the appointment of a CEO of Uisce \u00c9ireann by the Board with the consent of the Minister. The CEO\u2019s appointment shall be subject to terms and conditions as determined by the Board with the prior approval of the Minister and the consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. The \u00a0CEO shall at all times be a member of the Board but may not be Chairperson. It also provides that the current CEO of Uisce \u00c9ireann will continue as CEO for the remainder of his\/her term of office.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Accounts-2\"><\/span>Accounts<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The financial year depends on the date of the appointed day; The 2022 Act provides for the audit of Uisce \u00c9ireann&#8217;s accounts by the Comptroller and Auditor General. It also provides for the audit of Uisce \u00c9ireann&#8217;s accounts by Uisce \u00c9ireann&#8217;s commercial statutory auditor;<\/p>\n<p>There is provision for the presentation of Uisce \u00c9ireann&#8217;s audited financial statements and annual report to the Minister prior to them being laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas.<\/p>\n<p>Uisce \u00c9ireann&#8217;s CEO and Chairperson will give evidence to the Committee of Public Accounts on the matters specified in this section whenever required.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Transfer_from_Ervia\"><\/span>Transfer from Ervia<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The 2023 Act provides for the transfer of rights, liabilities, contracts, agreements and arrangements from Ervia to Uisce \u00c9ireann where they relate to Uisce \u00c9ireann. Any legal proceedings taken against Ervia relating to Uisce \u00c9ireann, including claims in respect of loss or injury, shall be continued with the substitution in the claim or proceedings of Uisce \u00c9ireann for Ervia.<\/p>\n<p>There is the deletion of references to Bord G\u00e1is \u00c9ireann (the name by which Ervia was previously known) and to substitute the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform for the Minister for Finance.References to Uisce \u00c9ireann&#8217;s Constitution instead of its memorandum of association and articles of association; and to provide for references to the appropriate Ministers.<\/p>\n<p>In all relevant enactments where Irish Water was comprehended, it is deemed to be a reference to being a subsidiary of Ervia. Uisce \u00c9ireann will now be referenced by its own name and not referenced as a subsidiary of Ervia.<\/p>\n<!--themify_builder_content-->\n<div id=\"themify_builder_content-11987\" data-postid=\"11987\" class=\"themify_builder_content themify_builder_content-11987 themify_builder tf_clear\">\n    <\/div>\n<!--\/themify_builder_content-->\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Establishment The Water Services Act 2013 provided for the establishment of Irish Water.\u00a0 It is \u00a0a subsidiary of Bord G\u00e1is \u00c9ireann.\u00a0 It is established under the Companies Act. Irish Water was incorporated in July 2013 as a semi-state company under the Water Services Act 2013.\u00a0 It is to provide water and wastewater services as a [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_exactmetrics_skip_tracking":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_active":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_note":"","_exactmetrics_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[114],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11987"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11987"}],"version-history":[{"count":14,"href":"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11987\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":32741,"href":"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11987\/revisions\/32741"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11987"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11987"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=11987"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}