Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 and 2 together.

On 29 October 2009, the European Court of Justice ruled against Ireland with regard to the treatment of waste waters from septic tanks and other on-site wastewater treatment systems. The court found that by failing to adopt the necessary legislation to comply with Articles 4 and 8 of the 1975 waste directive as regards domestic wastewaters disposed of in the countryside through septic tanks and other individual wastewater treatment systems, Ireland had failed to fulfil its obligations under that directive.

My Department, together with the Office of the Attorney General, is finalising the preparation of a Bill to establish a system of inspection of septic tanks and other on-site systems. I expect to bring the Bill to the Government in the coming weeks, seeking approval for its publication. Full details of how the inspection system will operate will be announced at that time. The new legislation is being framed to minimise the impact on householders, who can be assured that if their systems are working properly and are being maintained, they need not be concerned. Householders will be required to register details of their on-site systems on a national register. This registration will be valid for several years. A nominal fee will be charged for registration. The draft legislation will provide for a proportionate and risk-based approach to inspections. It is intended that inspections will be targeted towards areas where drinking water sources or habitats are likely to be, or have been, impacted upon by septic tank discharges.

Where the new inspection system gives to any costs, including for individual householders, every effort will be made to keep these to a minimum. The key objective of the new legislation will be to enhance and protect public health and the environment, which will in turn benefit rural dwellers in terms of their quality of life. My Department will keep under review the possible options to provide financial support to house-holders whose systems are deemed, following inspection, to require remediation or upgrading. Any such support would have to have regard to the overall budgetary position and to the financial position of individual households.

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