Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)

The EPA guidelines regarding re-registration were discussed at length last night. I am prepared to take on board some of the suggestions made about how re-registration should be done and whether it is necessary at all. However, because a universal inspection system is not envisaged, it is necessary to know the level of interaction those who are not inspected are having with the system to ascertain whether improvements have been carried out and what is the state of play in respect of the people who wish to register. This is the reason I wish to put in place a re-registration process.

Senator Ó Domhnaill mentioned criminalising people. While memory loss is a problem from which the Senator does not suffer, he does suffer from hypocrisy. The Water Services Act 2007, which was introduced by his party to this House and which was approved by Fianna Fáil and the Green Party in government, provides for a penalty of up to €15 million and five years in prison. This is for being in breach of the Water Services Act and not the Waste Management Acts.