John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)

I want to let Deputy Durkan know that on the publication of the joint committee's report I wrote to the Chairman to note that its recommendations were both timely and welcome, and to assure the committee that its report was being carefully considered. I expect that the issues raised in the report will be addressed comprehensively in the proposals that I will be bringing forward to give effect to the commitment in the renewed programme for Government, and to ensure compliance with the court ruling. My Department is considering how this monitoring and inspection system should operate, and has been consulting extensively with the Environmental Protection Agency, the local authorities and other key stakeholders on the matter. It is also intended to undertake consultations with wider stakeholders on the matter and I intend bringing proposals to Government to address these matters later on this year.

The programme for Government agreed in June 2007 included a commitment to introduce a scheme of support for the replacement and upgrade of septic tanks older than 15 years. The feasibility for introducing such a scheme will remain under ongoing review by the Department in the light of the obvious budgetary constraints.

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