Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 6, 17, 20 and 44 together.

The online and written facilities for the registration of domestic wastewater treatment systems are being developed by the Local Government Management Agency on behalf of local authorities. My Department is also examining a number of payment options to facilitate householders to the fullest extent possible in the registration process. I understand the programming work for the online system will be completed shortly. I have decided that when the registration commences, a reduced fee of €5 will be payable for the initial three months and that a fee of €50 will apply thereafter. Ample time will be provided for householders to comply with the requirement to register their on-site wastewater treatment systems. My Department will ensure a public information campaign, including details of how and when to register, will be carried out in advance of registration commencing.

I published the draft performance standards for septic tanks and other domestic wastewater treatment systems for public consultation on 1 March. The draft standards set out the responsibilities of owners of septic tanks and other systems, including requirements for the removal of sludge and ensuring systems are in working order and functioning properly. The public consultation process regarding the draft performance standards concluded on 30 March. In total, 165 submissions were received and these are being assessed in consultation with the Environmental Protection Agency, EPA. When this assessment has been completed, I will finalise the regulations which will give legal effect to the standards. While it is not possible to specify the dates for the commencement of the registration process or finalisation of the performance standards at preent, these matters are being given priority and I expect to be in a position to make the necessary regulations as soon as possible. At that stage, the relevant statutory instruments will be laid before each House of the Oireachtas in line with a previous commitment I gave and in accordance with section 18 of the Water Services Act 2007.

I have previously given a commitment that I will keep under consideration all options to provide financial support for householders whose systems are deemed, following inspection, to require substantial remediation or upgrading. Any decision in this regard will obviously have to take account of the nature of the inspections, the extent of the difficulties and problems which might arise from such inspections and relevant budgetary matters. A national risk-based inspection plan is being prepared by the EPA and local authorities will be responsible for carrying out inspections in their functional areas. I expect that inspections will start in 2013. Inspections may give rise to householders being advised to improve the maintenance of their systems or, in more serious situations, upgrading or remediation of their treatment systems may be required.

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