Brian Ó Domhnaill (Fianna Fail)

If the owner of a septic tank or waste water treatment plant does not provide a valid certificate of registration, the maximum fine is €5,000. I have no difficulty with the provision that inspectors can be subjected to class A fines. However, I have serious difficulties with the prospect of fines being issued for obstructing inspectors. If an elderly person obstructs an inspector out of fear, he or she could face a fine of €5,000. That is not contained in he 2007 Act nor does it make reference to failures to comply with advisory notices. The broad argument that it was done in 2007 and we are only following through on it is nonsense. It is similar to the accusations made against my colleague from County Cavan, which were unjustified, unfounded and misleading. I appeal to the Minister, out of courtesy to my colleague if not to me -----