Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)

As the Minister said, the fact the EPA found the quality of ground water had deteriorated is of major concern. One of the issues is much of our drinking water is supplied from ground water sources. For example, 75% of drinking water in Roscommon is provided from ground water and spring sources.

I refer to the issue of human health because one of the contaminants is faecal matter, which, if not treated properly, gives rise to problems such as e.coli, cryptosporidium and so on. The Minister referred to proposals coming down the line, such as the EU directive on ground water and the river basin management plans, and he said one of the problems is septic tanks. The environment committee earlier this week met representatives of manufacturers, installers and assessors of septic tanks and other water treatment facilities. They favour tighter controls, stricter standards and more oversight and regulation of people who design and install septic tanks and other treatment facilities. The Minister has standards and directives on his table that have not been implemented in regard to septic tanks. A proposal regarding grants for remediation of septic tanks is contained in the programme for Government. What will happen to those measures that are needed?

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