Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)

The amendment relates to the publication of standards in respect of septic tank inspections. It strikes me that there could be nothing more democratic than what the Minister is proposing in this regard. He has undertaken to put the draft standards in the public arena and consult extensively on them. He has given a commitment that they will be approved only after that consultation process is completed and subject to approval by the Oireachtas.

I appeal for a degree of honesty in this debate from Members opposite. The Minister is faced with registering a defence in a court hearing which must be done, as I understand it, by early February. The legislation does not include detailed standards, but there is a clear commitment to publish them in draft form, consult the public thereon, including those who have taken the trouble to travel here today and rural communities throughout the State. All of this song and dance routine about the issue of standards does not stand up to scrutiny. What we are seeing is political posturing.

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