John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I am pleased to contribute to this debate on water services legislation, the purpose of which is to deal with the problem that has existed for several years but about which nothing has been done. It was interesting to listen to those on the opposite side of the House suggest there has not been enough time to debate this. They certainly had enough time to do something about it since the order was made in 2009. Since the summer public meetings have been held by members of Fianna Fáil and by Marian Harkin, MEP, who suggested that those living in rural areas would pay €300 per annum and €200 per inspection.

I am keen to hear answers from those in the outgoing Government. Where did they get their figures from? The Bill has proved those figures wrong. Why did they not do something about it when the order was made in 2009? A promise was made to the effect that the matter would be addressed but it was not addressed when those who were in government at the time had the chance to do something about it.

The Technical Group could not have done anything about it because they were not in power or involved in Government at the time. Some sensible suggestions have been made by them. I have listened to the spokespeople from Fianna Fáil, which was in charge before.

They criticised what was happening but did not do anything themselves and have not suggested anything now. I acknowledge there was fear and loathing in rural Ireland but the Minister has dealt with the situation well.

There is a once-off registration fee and an appeal will cost €20. It is also welcome that the requirements of a working septic tank refer to those laid out at the time the house was built, which is very much in the interests of house owners. I welcome the fact that a reasonable deadline is being given. Registration will take place in 2012 and inspections will be carried out in 2013. I agree with the timescale because it gives people a chance to go through the process.

The Minister has left himself open to suggestion that there would be some type of grant aid for people who cannot and will not be able to afford the necessary upgrade because of the current economic circumstances, which I support. A problem needed to be dealt with and it was not addressed by the outgoing Government. This is the best possible way to deal with it and I support the Minister.

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