Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)

Fair enough. With this amendment, on page 6, line 47, "within ten days" has been deleted and we are substituting "within 20 working days." There will be ample time for owners to register their systems with the water services authority. I envisage that will be within 12 months of enactment of this legislation. Having listened to the debate regarding the time to be allowed for production of a valid registration certificate, I am prepared to change ten working days to 20 working days to allay people's fears. Senator Ó Clochartaigh mentioned people in holiday homes in the west of Ireland, which is a valid point. Senator Ó Domhnaill mentioned that as well. I consider this to be a reasonable and fair period.

People want to have some certainty with regard to what is wrong with their septic tank, and they want a reply from the local authority fairly quickly if there is a problem. They do not want to worry for a long period, and 20 working days is a reasonable period to alert people to the fact that an inspector is to arrive. Equally, people wish to be told fairly quickly if there is a problem so they can address it.