Ulick Burke (Fine Gael)

I endorse what Senator Kitt said concerning the EPA report on the quality of our drinking water. It is particularly noticeable that the worst problems are in the BMW region, including counties Sligo, Cavan, Leitrim and Mayo. That clearly indicates that the infrastructural funding that was promised for the west to upgrade group and public water schemes has failed to materialise. I ask the Leader to request the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to attend the House for a debate on the drinking water problem. Some 60% of local authorities have failed to monitor their water plants. It is an alarming figure. The discharge of aluminium nitrates and e.coli into the drinking water supply is causing serious health problems. If one Department is causing difficulties for another, it is time for us to take immediate action. I am calling for the Minister to attend the House at the first opportunity to explain why the BMW region is not getting its fair share of funding to upgrade water supply facilities.