Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)

No, I wanted to clarify the arrangements in Cavan. The by-laws in Cavan required all persons served by an on-site system to have their systems assessed every seven years by a competent, independent, private contractor, not a local authority staff member as Senator Wilson spoke at length about last night. Any faults identified have to be provided to the council within seven days - that is a short time - as well as a programme of repair. Systems have to be desludged at prescribed intervals and the sludge must be disposed of appropriately. No financial assistance is provided to households by the council for any of these requirements. The average cost of assessment, as confirmed by Cavan County Council to the Department, is €200.