Brian Ó Domhnaill (Fianna Fail)

I refer to the septic tank legislation, the Water Services (Amendment) Bill, and the so-called standards which were published approximately one hour ago on the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government website. It is a seven-page document which asks more questions than it gives answers, to say the least. I call on the Leader to facilitate a debate in the House, next week if possible, on the standards for septic tanks that the Minister, Deputy Hogan, is seeking people to meet.

Regarding the discussion in the House this morning concerning the fiscal treaty, much has been said in trying to blame, in a political fashion, people who have spoken and have sought concessions for this country. It is only right and proper that those concessions would be made. The only reason those questions are now being asked and that Fianna Fáil has debated this over the past 36 hours is because of the shortcomings of the negotiation team representing this country and the Government: the Taoiseach and the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade. The Minister of State with responsibility for European Affairs is also at fault. We have not achieved what Ireland sought in terms of a write-down on the banking debt. It appears we have not even discussed the write-down or even the promissory notes.