Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I will be brief. I want to focus on what will happen now because I am conscious we are asking these questions while people do not have access to safe drinking water. What, if anything, would the EPA do differently in the process? Dr. Ryan mentioned his disappointment at the initial audit and recommendations not being implemented. The EPA will do another audit in a few days when this issue has been addressed. What will the EPA do differently to ensure any further recommendations it makes, even if they are the same as those that were made in March and October, will be implemented? Is it the EPA's job to do that?

I wish to ask Dr. Minihan in particular about filter replacement and ultraviolet, UV, treatment of the water plant. As an expert in this field, what timeline does she envisage there should be for the installation of UV treatment of a plant such as this one? My main concern is that if this issue is rectified in the next few days, given that this is early in the winter and with winter storms approaching and more heavy rainfall, we could be back here discussing this issue in two or three weeks. Confidence in the quality of our water supply has taken a hammering in recent days. We want to ensure people realise their drinking water supply is safe and can be used. From the EPA's quasi-independent perspective of the process - it is not Fingal County Council, Irish Water or the Department - what should that timeline be?

What is the nature of the report the Minister apparently has asked the EPA to do separately? I note from the Department's opening statement that the Minister has instructed the EPA to give him a special report on what has happened. What will be in that report and will it be made public?