James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I am under pressure for time because of another commitment and I appreciate the Chairman allowing me to contribute at this point.

I thank the EPA for coming before the committee and I thank Dr. Ryan and his colleagues for their presentation. Dr. Ryan mentioned a particular issue that arose in the programme, which was responded to in detail, but I will raise another issue while I have the opportunity to do so as the EPA is before the committee. This is the boil water notice that has been served because of the Leixlip water treatment plant in particular. It is a local issue for me but it is also a local issue for most of the greater Dublin area. The EPA was involved in an audit. Will the witnesses briefly describe the results of that audit? Was the audit strategic or operational? I understand three samples were taken. Was it an emergency audit to see whether the water was drinkable again? Was it a procedural audit regarding what could be done differently in future to prevent a recurrence? I appreciate the EPA was, to an extent, stepping into the breach on this occasion. What body is the primary regulator? How can we stop it happening now and in future? This is the big question. If the witnesses would indulge me on this, I would be very grateful.