Martin Ferris (Kerry North-West Limerick, Sinn Fein)

Now comes the septic tank issue, which is of significant concern to people in rural Ireland. We want to get away from the Paddy the Plasterer politics that we endured in the House for a long time. The Minister has an opportunity. When he gets to his feet in five or ten minutes' time, he can tell us what he means by "no financial hardship". He can allay many of the concerns of those who have come all the way from the west at their own expense. If he does so, it would be a good day's work and I would be the first to agree that he was providing transparency. If he does not do so, he is confirming the opinions of many people.

We need certainty about whether a grant procedure will be made available to meet the cost of remedial works. It would remove a major problem. According to my colleague, Deputy Stanley, the Minister stated that compliance works or the updating of septic tanks would be exempt from the planning process. If so, it is welcome, as it was a major concern.

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