Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)

Without reiterating what my esteemed colleague has said on this important issue I am concerned about section 3 which provides for the appointment of authorised persons or inspectors. Senator Ó Domhnaill asked how they will be recruited, whether they will be independent of the local authority and will training be provided. The reason I am concerned is that we have had unhappy experiences with private operators in the clamping system and in other areas. I fear inspectors will be appointed who may not have the technical expertise or knowledge of dealing with inspections of septic tanks and wastewater treatment plants. It is perceived in the old council electoral area that I represented, a peninsular area as the Minister will be aware, having visited the area recently to perform official opening ceremonies in Bantry and elsewhere, that approximately half of all septic tanks pre-1990 would not pass an inspection. If that is the case and is replicated around the country the Minister will need a substantial number of inspectors with appropriate qualifications. Apart from their expertise and how they are trained they must have the capacity to deal with the public.

I recall dealing with inspectors appointed by the south western regional fisheries board, some of whom were painters. It was a case that anybody could apply even though they had no knowledge whatsoever of a salmon or of fishing. I am worried that people will be recruited to carry out this work and may be appointed as inspectors, without having the necessary expertise, and may not have the capacity to deal with those in isolated rural areas. People are afraid of inspectors of any description, including those seeking television licences. Even in this day and age many people hide.

If an inspector is calling who is likely to find the septic tank at the bottom of a garden out of order, we must be sure he knows his job and is in a position to negotiate with the houseowner or landowner in question. I am also concerned that it will be an offence for a person to prevent an inspector from entering a premises to issue a warrant authorising that person, accompanied by another authorised person or a member of the Garda Síochána, as specified in the warrant, to enter the premises. Unfortunately I was refrained from speaking on Second Stage. In this regard, why is it necessary to issue warrants? Will a prior notice of inspection be served on the landowner?