Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

As for the second question, the legislation is necessary — in dealing with the EU, all these matters are necessary. However, the Deputy is aware that we have spent approximately €1.5 billion on 75 new waste water treatment schemes around the country, which has brought a major improvement to the quality of water in rivers and lakes. New waste water schemes are being provided with secondary treatment facilities for every location with a population of over 1,000. There have been more schemes such as these in the last few years than in previous generations.

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