Mary White (Fianna Fail)

I know from my previous career in the building industry that the main polluters are local authorities, which is unforgivable, rather than rural dwellers. It disturbs me that local authorities and the bureaucrats which run county councils have allowed this to happen during the years. There are a number of rivers and coastal waterways which have been polluted because the relevant local authority has not done its business, as the Minister knows. That should be a key driver to get the Department to put the screws on county councils which should not be allowed to continue polluting rivers and lakes with sewage.

There is a fear among older people in rural communities who have septic tanks. From where will they get the money to bring their septic tanks up to standard? That is all we want to know. We would be delighted if the Minister provided the money for them, as we all want to maintain Ireland's reputation as a green food island. As my colleague, the chieftain from Donegal, Senator Ó Domhnaill, has mentioned, this legislation may not be constitutional as urban dwellers have their system paid for by the Exchequer. Rural dwellers are being penalised. We are looking forward to a big battle with the Minister on the issue.