Séamus Healy (Tipperary South, Workers and Unemployed Action Group)

I am disappointed with the Minister's response. It is obvious he is wedded to the current position and will not clarify the standards that are required. That is unacceptable. It is reasonable and common sense that before Members of this House vote on any legislation we should know exactly what it contains. It is reasonable and common sense that the members of the public who are affected by the legislation should be aware of the position also. It appears there is a deliberate attempt to fudge the standards and allow for a situation whereby people will be affected by this legislation down the road, so to speak, in terms of the introduction of the most up to date standards. A significant number of people will find themselves in a position where remedial works will have to be carried out to their systems.

In recent years quite a number of treatment systems have been put in place in cities and towns, as the Minister mentioned. That is being funded mainly through general taxation. Rural dwellers who have septic tanks have contributed through general taxation to the remedial works and the upgrading of systems in villages, towns and cities.

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