Timmy Dooley (Fianna Fail)

Will the Leader arrange a debate with the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government at the earliest possible date to discuss his Department's role in ensuring water quality in our municipal and county water systems? An appalling situation is evolving in Ennis owing to the failure of a temporary treatment system, which was installed recently with departmental support at a cost of €2 million. Unfortunately, the system has not resolved the problem as boiling notices are being issued again. This creates discomfort for parents of young children who must incur significant costs to buy water. Many people are not confident that boiling water will make it safe.

The Department needs to address the crisis in Ennis in the wider context of its role in ensuring water quality. The problem has occurred at a time when the possibility of charging for water is being considered. Charges should not be imposed until such time as strict policies are in place to ensure that when circumstances such as those I have outlined arise, the authorities have the capacity to intervene and resolve the problem quickly.