Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

One of the problems that we have identified, and it is an issue that has been accepted by Ms Neary, is that this can become a problem unless somebody has an understanding that it is a problem or unless somebody inspects it. I refer to when people leave the temporary connection in place. I could not tell by looking at the pipework in my house whether the connection worked or not. I would know if there was a problem and would presume that I could solve it by switching off the water but beyond that my first port of call would be to telephone a plumber. We all agree that trades that work in this sector need regulation. One must have faith in the inspection team and one presumes that a qualified plumber will be able to fix the problem. Unfortunately, many homes in Ireland were built during a period when there was lax adherence to established standards and that is what happened with Priory Hall, Longboat Quay and other buildings.

There is no inspection regime or audit in place. This week I asked the Taoiseach and Tánaiste to conduct an audit to identify the problems. The State may not have the wherewithal to fix the buildings but at least the owner or tenant would have some idea where a problem stems from and thus take remedial action. People will take a chance and will survive even though they know there may be a problem. I urge anybody who is aware of problems with their water systems to immediately get them checked out. I have seen black water come out of radiators in my house. I do not know what type of stomach aches or whatever would result if that got into a public water system but I am sure it would not be good.

Stagnant water in immersions is another problem that was raised by the petitioner. Stagnant water can result and remain in the water system if the double valve or backflow system fails Not everybody clears or flushes out their heating system on a regular basis which means that one could have a contaminant in a water system for a while.

The witnesses have identified a potential problem in their presentations. We have learned that regulation needs to be put in place as soon as possible. I have put a lot of work on the witnesses and they have competing demands. The water system is something that each person in a household avails of. It is for public health reasons, rather than safety reasons, that we should put systems in place that will give people the necessary assurance.