Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)

In his response to Members on this side of the House the Minister confused matters more than he clarified them. He has stated that what he is proposing will not impose financial hardship on any family, but at the same time, as Deputy Éamon Ó Cuiv pointed out, he is not willing to come forward and say what he is proposing. He did not clarify the exact standard to which he hopes septic tanks will be raised. He has not clarified that if he is asking a person who was granted planning permission in the 1980s to move from the standard of regulations with which they complied at that time to a higher standard of regulation which is to apply to the septic tank now, exactly what standard that is to be. In his response to these further queries, could he clarify the position?

Many people were outside these Houses earlier today seeking clarification, and it a was a shame the Minister did not go out and address them.

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