Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein)

To some extent, the moment of truth has arrived. This problem has been hanging over us since 1975. Deputy Michelle Mulherin referred to the taking of responsibility. I certainly do not need any lectures on responsibility in respect of environment which I have spent my life working to protect and improve. However, I agree with the Deputy that there is a responsibility on Members and all citizens to protect it. This is the fourth occasion on which Fine Gael's has been in government since 1975, but it has never taken action to solve this problem. Fianna Fáil was in power for even longer and also failed to take action. Sinn Féin fully recognises that the problem has been growing and must be dealt with.

The Acting Chairman is an urban dweller, but I accept that there might be some septic tanks in his constituency. I have visited houses-----

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