Mr. Aurel Ciobanu-Dordea:

I will formulate the position as follows. I repeat the disclaimer made at the outset that any infringement decision is a prerogative of the College of the European Commission. However, for the current discussion I would say it is difficult to identify the arguments that would convince somebody that such an indistinct system sits well with the water framework directive. If there are elements that can be explained properly by the Irish authorities, and I am not the oracular mouse who tells the ultimate truth, perhaps we do not see them here but it is very difficult to perceive them, and it is not prima facie the casethat we are seeing this.

We have reflected a good deal on the matter. It is important to see how this system would secure, in a credible way and for a relatively long period of time, an investment of €13 billion. Would the Irish authorities make a commitment to make such an investment from the public purse in a short or longer amount of time? How would the €13 million be procured by the public purse? What will happen when in three or four years time such investments will compete with other investments that are equally important to this society? How will this be preserved in terms of the integrity of continuous investment in a safe water system that is fundamental for the health of Irish consumers. I know the word "consumers" is not liked but beyond citizens, they are consumers as well, and this does not diminish their status. They are entitled to the best, not to have halomethanes in drinking water.