Denis Landy (Labour) | Oireachtas source

Mr. O'Leary has clarified one of the issues I was about to raise. I understand from the EPA's initial analysis of the 2013 figures that the failure rate of septic tanks is 48%. This means that every second septic tank does not meet the regulations.

According to the circular provided on the EPA's website, the purpose of which is to inform owners of septic tanks what they can expect from the inspection regime, inspectors will carry out a visual inspection of the domestic wastewater treatment system . I presume this will involve removing the cover, examining the tank and making a decision on that basis.