Sandra McLellan (Cork East, Sinn Fein)

I welcome the opportunity to contribute to the debate. This issue, understandably has been i mbéal an phobal over the past number of months. Many people, particularly in rural and one off houses, were startled when they heard of this charge earlier in the summer. At that stage, there was significant panic about the notion of fees of €200 or €400 per annum for registration and inspection. In many respects the community and parish halls around the State continue to be filled with people exercised on this issue because considerable speculation, misinformation and lack of information remains.

Clarity on a number of issues is important. In the first instance, we have an issue with the registration and inspection fee. While on some levels it might not appear unreasonable, it is important to understand that many people are just keeping their heads above water in terms of household budgets. While €50 does not seem a huge amount, it must be considered in the context of the myriad cuts in supports and hikes in expenses that ordinary families have experienced over the last period. We are guaranteed that this is set to continue. In addition, cuts to rural transport systems, bans on turf cutting, closures of rural post offices and Garda stations, as well as cuts in welfare rates and increases in VAT, fuel and car tax are changing the nature of rural life and making every euro that little bit more important.

This added septic tank charge will be employed in many instances where homeowners have no other option. They cannot get connected to a local authority scheme. In essence, for those people, this amounts to double taxation. They contribute to a fund that they get no benefit from and now they will have to pay again. Many rural dwellers still feel vulnerable and worried about this issue. That is evident from the level of engagement across the State. A frenzy has been whipped up in certain areas which makes it difficult for people. A handful of cowboys have stepped into the vacuum of misinformation and disinformation looking to exploit people as they go from house to house offering so-called inspections and installations at a premium. It is important if we go down this road that the Government does not employ a similar tactic of over applying the agreed specifications, when they are agreed, in an attempt to raise revenue or create a viable business plan for private sector contractors. The scheme should be wholly delivered within the public sector.

It is important to address, by way of adequate and comprehensive clarification, what the scenario will be for those who are registered and have their system ruled inadequate. That unknown has people agitated and expecting the worst. Figures being thrown about are in the region of thousands of euro. One constituent came to my office in Youghal to say he cannot afford the new €15,000 septic tank charge. With everything else that is going on, it is understandable that people are up in arms. Clarification, as soon as possible, on the funding mechanisms and levels of support available from Government - hopefully somewhere in the region of 100% - for people who do need re-installations or upgrades, is essential. In addition, if the Minister seriously thinks that rural dwellers are in any position to fork out thousands of euro for this scheme in the current climate, he is greatly mistaken. Every euro counts and every €1,000 counts a lot more.

The Minister rejected the Sinn Féin amendment in the Seanad, but it is only reasonable that an inability to pay waiver be included and applied. If the figures announced this morning are to be believed, we do not know what is around the corner with respect to the economy. We do not know how significant these costs will be to ordinary people going forward. The most vulnerable in society need to be protected.

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