Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)

Every step of the way we have been in contact with the European Commission and my predecessor was also in contact with it. The Fianna Fáil-Green Party Government submitted proposals on the basis that every septic tank would have to be inspected, with an annual inspection charge and compliance with the 2009 EPA code of practice. I immediately engaged with the Commission to indicate this was unacceptable in dealing with the European Court of Justice judgment and I succeeded, where my predecessors failed, and with the EPA we were able to convince the Commission that we had a system, proposals and standards. The Commission was satisfied they would comply with the judgment, which is what we are doing.

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