Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)

We are amending the principal Act which Fianna Fáil introduced. Senator O'Donovan expressed concern about the impact of these matters on house sales. If I was buying a house I would seek an engineer's report to ensure everything was in order before I closed the sale. Under consumer protection legislation I would be able to sue the solicitors and other professionals who advised me if their surveys and investigations were not carried out properly. The building energy rating certificate is an example of certification to indicate a house's energy rating. This Bill will operate in a similar manner. The owner of a property is responsible for it. If property cannot move, the owner can. It is in the interest of a property owner, as well as his or her neighbours, to ensure his or her septic tank is functioning properly because otherwise there will be serious implications for public health. It is in everybody's interest to make sure our wastewater systems function properly.

Senator Ó Clochartaigh is asking me to blame Ford for motor accidents. That is the same principle.