Jim D'Arcy (Fine Gael)

A report issued today by the Environmental Protection Agency, EPA, states that almost half of the wastewater treatment plants which serve urban centres are failing to achieve national and EU standards. The report also indicates that treatment plants in Cork city, Dún Laoghaire, Meath and Dundalk must meet the requirements relating to nutrient reduction. There is a need for the House to take note of this report. I suggest that the Leader request the Joint Committee on the Environment, Transport, Culture and the Gaeltacht to invite Mr. Dara Lynott, director of the EPA's office of environmental enforcement, to come before it. I will certainly be proposing that Mr. Lynott be invited to address my party's internal committee. However, that is a separate matter. This will be a crucial issue for the men, women and children of this country during the next 20 years.