Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)

A number of matters have been raised in the course of the debate which I will address now.

First, the Department has examined in detail the regulatory systems that are in place in other jurisdictions. There is no single consistent approach to regulating the use of on-site treatment systems although monitoring and inspection are common features in many of the countries reviewed. Notwithstanding the approach being taken in other countries, this legislation must ensure compliance with the court ruling which requires the establishment of a system of inspection.