Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)

I cannot accept these amendments, which we discussed previously. Section 54(1) and (2) place a duty on the owner of a premises to maintain the internal water distribution system of the premises in good repair and in such condition as to ensure that drinking water meets subscribed quality requirements at the taps used for the purpose. The owner is also required to ensure that all taps connected to the distribution system do not leak water from the system.

As I indicated when we discussed this matter on Committee Stage, removal of the absolute requirement in this regard, for which the current wording of the subsection provides, could undermine enforcement actions by a water services authority under the section and protracted legal argument over what constitutes reasonable steps could in time potentially allow serious water wastage or contamination to go on unchecked and unpunished. The only people who would benefit from this may well be the lawyers who would be involved in the cases. I am sure Deputy Gilmore accepts the point. The aim is to ensure due care is taken on internal piping. I urge him not to press the amendment.

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