Brian Ó Domhnaill (Fianna Fail)

The Minister indicated that there may be a need to provide some form of drawing. I assume this refers to a drawing of the location of the septic tank and percolation area relative to the property. If that is required - I am merely giving an example of what might be envisaged in this - the likelihood is that the homeowner may not have the necessary skills to provide that information, in which case one is looking at an additional cost. My concern is that the EPA, under pressure from groups such as An Taisce, might, in its prescription of the additional information required, go far beyond what is envisaged in the legislation. That is the difficulty I have with this section.

While I appreciate what the Minister is saying, it would be far preferable to specify precisely what is being sought under this provision. He indicated that this provision might lead to lower costs for homeowners. Given that there are no fees in any event, as the Minister outlined, how could the inclusion of these additional requirements possibly lead to reduced costs? Surely they would cost nothing additional at best while, at worst, there is certainly an implication that there would be additional responsibilities and, by extension, costs on the individual. That is the source of concern in these provisions.