Michael Brennan (Progressive Democrats)

I am concerned at the escalating costs of waste water treatment schemes. Will the Leader invite the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to the House to discuss deregulation of the cap on grants for small group water schemes, which at present is capped at 85%? Members of small schemes experience great hardship in funding their schemes, especially where old age pensioners form a significant proportion of the applicants. Where there are schemes with fewer than 30 members the 15% cost can mean an extra €2,000 or €3,000 for applicants. The Minister should consider increasing the cap on the grant scheme for small schemes.