The acting Environment Minister Alan Kelly is asking all political parties to meet with Irish Water workers before any decision is made over the future of the company.
Mr Kelly says he will be writing to the leaders of the Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and other parties asking them to meet with workers.
It follows a meeting with the Ervia group of trade unions which took place in Dublin's Custom House today.
Ervia is the parent company of Irish Water.
"The election is over. It's time for a common sense debate about the future of water services in Ireland", Mr Kelly said.
"Irish Water workers are for the most part ordinary people trying to support their families and working hard in a utility that is providing an essential service to the people of Ireland".
"I note that they have sought a meeting with leaders of many political parties which have not been facilitated so far".
"Their voice is an important one and I hope that the next government would be courteous enough take into account their views", he added.
Mr Kelly says he "fully accept(s)" there are many issues of great concern to the wider public - but that the workers have delivered a significant degree of progress.
