Caít Keane (Fine Gael)

The legislation will provide for a proportionate and risk-based approach to inspections. On reading the documentation I know that in the first instance inspections will be concentrated on sensitive areas with high risk to the environment and public health. I understand the factors to be considered in assessing the risks posed by septic tanks include the density of the waste water treatment system in any one area, the soil type, as the Senator alluded to, the presence or absence of underlying aquifers and the thickness of the sub-soils. If there is rock near the surface, there is a greater risk of pollution, as we all know. While many people may not have detailed analysis of their soil type, this gives people a basic guide to implementation process.

The Environmental Protection Agency, EPA, is developing a GPS mapping system to identify areas at high and low risk of pollution. This risk-based mapping system will provide inspection services with a sound scientific background when determining which systems to prioritise for inspection. As we all know, people want fairness, transparency, and consistency throughout the country in any system that is implemented. We are all too aware of one county doing this and another county doing something else. Transparency and fairness of implementation throughout the country is not always evident. There are an estimated 441,000 septic tanks and other domestic waste water facilities in the country, a significant number.

The Minister has outlined the principal themes in the Bill, so I will not address them in detail. I will give the reasons it is necessary to implement the regulations. I compliment Cavan County Council, as it is the only county in Ireland that has implemented the regulations. I know some fine councillors on Cavan County Council and I say well done to them. The rest of the country will be following suit.

Approximately 20% of drinking water supplies originate from ground water, and leakage from septic tanks is a major cause of ground water pollution. I did not hear recommendations coming from the Fianna Fáil Party about what it proposes to do about ground water pollution in rural areas. Poison the people; have them all in hospital.