Michael Kitt (Fianna Fail)

On 15 March the Health Service Executive, HSE, advised people in Galway city and parts of County Galway to boil water. Almost one week ago a boiled water notice was put in place to the effect that one should boil water before using it. This notice affects approximately 90,000 people in Galway city and in towns such as Tuam, Athenry, Barna, Headford, Oranmore and Moycullen. As it was issued by the HSE, I probably will be unable to raise the matter on the Adjournment as I would have wished. However, Members should have an opportunity to debate the question of public water supplies. While progress has been made in respect of water quality, I understand that in County Galway a parasite known as cryptosporidium is the source of the HSE's concern. In its opinion, 48 people have been affected by mysterious stomach complaints because of this parasite. As the executive has stated the boiled water notice will be in place for another week, I hope an answer will be forthcoming soon as to the cause of the problem. Galway appears to have the highest number of cases affected by the bug. If possible, Members should have a debate to elicit more information from the HSE than a statement to the effect that it is carrying out further research to ascertain the cause of the stomach ailment.