Mr. Fintan Gorman:

We are one of the statutory bodies that reports. For example, we would be called in to do the scientific work on a river where there has been a pollution spill, or the like. However, regulation of sewerage and water systems falls within the remit of the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government, and we are just a notifiable body. I agree with the Deputy that there is a need for a co-ordinated, methodical approach because we have a vital national asset in water quality, the fish habitat and the recreational amenity. If we do not protect that and invest in it, like any other asset, it diminishes in value and eventually becomes worthless.