Michael Finucane (Fine Gael)

I support Senator Mansergh's comment. I read that newspaper this morning. People in rural areas are aware that plenty of funds have been allocated for sewerage projects throughout the country but these projects are surrounded by an incredible web of bureaucracy. It has transpired that we took a retrograde step in bundling various sewerage projects together. This escalated the cost of those projects. The Minister said he would fast-track sewerage projects costing under €5 million but, unfortunately, all the sewerage projects have been bundled at this stage so nothing is being done to provide that infrastructure.

The funding is available. For God's sake will somebody do something about this issue? Members have been raising it continuously in the House. It is holding up the development of many rural areas. The councils are imposing strict guidelines regarding percolation tests and so forth for one-off houses, yet the councils are the main offenders in causing pollution. It is a huge contradiction. I fully support Senator Mansergh. To suggest that we hold back in providing infrastructure would mean holding back development.

On a positive note, the Leader supported my statements with regard to financing public patients who were undergoing cancer treatment in the radiotherapy unit in Limerick, which is a private facility. I am pleased to confirm that the Seanad can provoke a response. The Minister met me shortly afterwards and told me it is being arranged.