Thomas Byrne (Fianna Fail)

Most pollution in Ireland comes from local authorities. A considerable number of septic tanks which were built with planning permission and are operating properly are not up to current EPA standards. The owners of these tanks run the risk of being inspected and directed to remediate any problem. These are genuine issues but they can be addressed by the establishment of the grant system several Senators opposite have called for.

I fundamentally object to the principle of giving statutory authority to individuals operating in the private sector. If the Minister can assure me that will not happen, I will be satisfied.