Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)

There is no such thing as the 2008 EPA regulations dealing with planning matters, although that is what he referred to. This work will involve planning exemptions so that if one received planning permission in 1967, 1975 or 2010, one need not apply for planning permission. We simply wish to know whether the system of septic tanks in the country is working and, if it is not working, we must carry out some work with it. This is a risk-based assessment to protect ground-water in high risk areas well known to the local authorities. These inspections are taking place at the moment under the 2007 Act. People in Donegal are already subject to inspections in areas of high risk.