Michael Kitt (Fianna Fail)

I wish to raise with the Leader the story in today's newspapers concerning the report by the Environmental Protection Agency about harmful elements, including e.coli, in many local authority water supplies. The EPA has stated that up to 50,000 households could be affected. The newspapers state that many local authorities are turning a blind eye to this water pollution.

We have had a number of radio and television programmes on the situation concerning the many Irish emigrants in Great Britain. RTE's "Prime Time" did a special report on the matter recently. We have been informed today that €7 million is being allocated next year to Irish emigrant welfare groups in Britain. I welcome that development which represents a 60% increase on the funding provided hitherto. I hope the money will be put to good use.