James Bannon (Fine Gael)

A recent report was published on the quality of drinking water. It is important to debate the issue in the House because the quality of water in 1,536 group water schemes monitored is less than satisfactory. It is important that we invite the Minister for the Environment and Local Government to the House to inform Senators of his plans in relation to the protection of public health. The State should provide pure and wholesome water for its citizens but it appears that 10% of the water consumed by them is contaminated. It is vital that we have a debate on this serious issue.