Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)

Surely there should have been no need to send 20 or 30 of them to the meeting to spy on proceedings when a single individual would have sufficed. Why does the Minister not propose to publish the regulations to which the legislation will give rise? Why does the Bill state, "The Minister may, following consultation with the Agency, make regulations for the purposes of this Part"? Is the Minister honestly suggesting the EPA is not going to advise him to opt for its standards? Is he stating the EPA is going to suggest a less stringent set of standards will apply? Does he not agree that the agency will suggest the standards it will draw up should be implemented?

No one in the House would condone the pollution or contamination of water. Everyone agrees that there is a need to put in place a set of standards for wastewater treatment facilities throughout the country. However, we are seeking a system that is fair and equitable. Numerous Deputies on all sides have stated that when the guidelines are published, we must ensure arrangements to provide financial assistance will be put in place immediately rather than at a later stage. It must be written into the legislation that financial assistance will be provided for those who will be obliged to upgrade their wastewater treatment systems. The meeting I attended last night was addressed by an independent and very reputable engineer who stated it would cost in the region of €8,000 to €10,000 to upgrade wastewater treatment systems in County Westmeath. From where are people going to obtain that kind of money? Why is it that people who live in cities, towns and villages that are serviced by wastewater treatment facilities are not obliged to pay additional charges in order to have these facilities upgraded? However, those living in rural areas will, as matters stand, be forced to put their hands in their pockets. Those to whom I refer do not have the money to carry out upgrades. Before the legislation is enacted, there will be a need to indicate, in comprehensive terms, the funding that will be made available to them.

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