Dara Murphy (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)

It specifically stated a figure of €300 and is continuing to do so. In the last programme for Government, which we all now acknowledge was one of the greatest acts of fiction ever written, it committed to addressing the issue. All it delivered during its time in government was the loss of our sovereignty and the destruction of our economy.

That said, I compliment the Minister, Deputy Hogan, on introducing the Bill and bringing clarity to the many thousands of people in our country who have septic tanks. He has done so in a manner which is very cost-effective. In my constituency, Cork North-Central, approximately 5,500 households have septic tanks. It is important that we examine some of the figures. I support my colleagues' call for a scheme to assist people who require extra work on their tanks.

The cost to the taxpayer of the €26,000 fine per day and the €2.7 million fine would be €290,000 in my constituency. The revenue that will accrue from the €50 payment amounts to €219,000. In one year alone the taxpayers in one constituency will be saving money by virtue of the fact that we will not have to pay fines. We have to accept that every fine and payment that comes from the Government comes from the people of our country.

This measure is being imposed not because Europe wishes to subject us to some form of torture, but because we, like every other nation, are responsible for our water, in particular our ground water. As a country with a thriving agricultural industry which, with some justification, prides itself on the fact that we have the cleanest, greenest product in the world, we should be leading the charge to ensure our reputation is maintained.

The Bill will enhance our reputation. If the court proceedings continue - let there be no doubt they will if the Bill is not enacted - there would be damage to our reputation. I am delighted there will be a positive spin off from the Bill. I am not detracting from the difficulties people will have in paying a €50 charge or for subsequent work that may need to take place.

Some of the language that has come from the Members opposite has been alarmist, exaggerated the degree of difficulty and failed completely to point out that there are significant advantages to us as a people, our reputation and the health and wealth of the 26% of the total water supply that comes from ground water, either private or public. The citizens of this country, predominantly people who live in rural areas, are drinking the water we seek to protect. I commend the Minister on once again doing what his predecessors in government failed to do.

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