Caít Keane (Fine Gael)

I was just listening to the discussion on the last Bill and the Minister who was here before Deputy Hogan said that something was not suitable for primary legislation. I ask the Opposition to consider what is suitable for primary legislation.

I ask the Minister to correct me if I am wrong, but there is nothing in the Bill that says one cannot have an inspection carried out voluntarily. However, we all know - we said it ourselves when we were members of local authorities - that if one asks a consultant to carry out a report, the answers will depend on how the questions are put. That is why it is important to have the legislation. I remind the Fianna Fáil Senators that the last Fianna Fáil Government stated it would introduce a scheme for licensing and inspection of septic tanks and wastewater treatment. Did they expect angels with wings to fly over a house and inspect it? How do they expect an inspector to get in if he or she is not allowed? I ask them to come up with some suggestions for getting around that one.

I remind Senator Ó Domhnaill, who is from a fisheries area in Donegal, that the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine carries out many inspections of boats.