Dr. Michelle Minihan:

There was a question of whether we are happy with the levels of cryptosporidium. We are not happy with the levels but we recognise that it occurs where raw water is abstracted from a source such as the River Liffey that has the potential to be contaminated with cryptosporidium, giardia or other parasites. That is why our other report recommended the need for ultraviolet disinfection at Leixlip water treatment plant. Ultraviolet disinfection will deactivate the cryptosporidium or render them harmless, meaning they will not be able to cause people to become ill. The recommendation was made in our audit report of 30 October.