Seanad debates

Monday, 28 November 2011

Water Services (Amendment) Bill 2011: Report and Final Stages

 

7:00 pm

Photo of Brian Ó DomhnaillBrian Ó Domhnaill (Fianna Fail)

The amendments nearly all relate to committing offences under the legislation. Ten days is far too short a timeframe and it should be pushed out. We argue that it should be almost a year and people would be given a long period to carry out any substantial works that might be required only after grant aid of at least 85% was made available and this would be done in a voluntary capacity where it would not be an offence not to do it.

The Minister mentioned on Second and Committee Stages that the offences are in the principle Act and that is correct. That Act was passed at a time when massive amounts of waste were being dumped, often by large developers and businesses, polluting the countryside. It cannot be said the same should apply to septic tanks just because it is in the principal Act. It does not currently apply to septic tanks in the production of certifications. Under section 70(b), it will be an offence-----

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