Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)

I agree with Deputy Stanley. He correctly pointed out I have given people as much flexibility as I possibly can to comply with the court judgment that there is no damage to public health or the environment. Irresponsible people have gone around the country and effectively advocated that watercourses should be polluted and people's households, businesses and neighbours should suffer from public health or environmental issues. This was totally irresponsible and has caused much fear and misinformation. I am glad the standards will be able to put away all these fears. They are based on what I said months ago in the many contributions I was asked to make on these issues.

I know many Deputies were wondering how I could negotiate with the European Commission a set of standards that would meet the European Court of Justice judgment without imposing any major financial problems for people deemed in their own minds to be in breach of the EPA code of practice of 2009. We have a pragmatic and practical solution to a very difficult issue which I inherited.

See this speech in context