Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent)

The Minister will probably agree with me that it would be very unfair if people had to pay for something for which they were not responsible. I agree with the Government that this is a problem which must be addressed but under no circumstances should the cost fall on those who are not responsible for the fact that their septic tank does not measure up to the new regulations to be applied.

The Minister has said he will take a risk based approach rather than have all septic tanks inspected. I am curious to know how he will decide on which tanks should be tested. Wexford has the second highest number in the country and I am fairly confident that close to 50% will be found to be disappointing, as there is a huge problem with percolation in the county. There was also a huge problem with the raised beds scheme because the soil used was not good enough to take the bacteria out of the wastewater before reaching the water table. That presented a major problem. Many were allowed to use soak pits in the earlier days which are now clogging up and do not work as a result. There is also the issue of the outfall to running streams, which is now illegal. Obviously, permission was obtained to do this, but it will cost money to change it and since no one will suffer financial hardship, I presume the Government has plenty of money set aside. Obviously, the Europeans have agreed to give some money because it will cost a good deal of money to rectify the problem. In fairness, it will create some unemployment, but I hope ordinary people will not have to pay for it.

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