Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)

According to the previous Government, without prejudging the final shape of the monitoring and inspection regime, it was likely to include a requirement for householders to allow access to their on-site wastewater systems to ensure they were being operated and maintained correctly; the frequency with which these assessments were to be carried out would also be detailed; households would be required to take immediate action if considered necessary to bring their systems up to the required standard; the timelines within which such works should be undertaken would be set out; the details of any offences or penalties for non-compliance would be included; and a supervisory system to ensure assessors could carry out assessments fairly and consistently would be introduced.

According to the previous Government, one critical element of the ruling was related to the establishment of performance standards for all on-site wastewater systems. A subgroup of the task force comprising professional and technical experts from the EPA, the Department and local authorities examined this issue and prepared a draft standards document to finalise the performance standards to be applied. To inform the drafting of the legislation to fully comply with the ruling of the European Court of Justice, consultation with key stakeholders commenced on 19 October 2010 and local authorities were to be included in the consultation process. The closing date for receipt of submissions was 26 November 2010.

There is a lot of hypocrisy today, particularly when I consider what I have been landed with because of the inactivity of the previous Government and what it was prepared to do. I do not know where or on what planet the Deputies have been. Perhaps they were not aware of this.

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