Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I wish to make it clear that if we are introducing a scheme of financial support, it will be on the basis that, arising from an inspection under the regulations outlined in the legislation or arising from the Water Services (Amendment) Act, the possible solution of a problem that might arise with a wastewater treatment system is to de-sludge. This is the solution that was found in Cavan. In 2004, Cavan County Council quite correctly identified that it had a very serious problem with pollution of its waterways and lakes. Some of it was due to difficulties with groundwater arising from leaks from septic tanks. The regulations that were enforced by Cavan County Council in 2004 showed that approximately 11% of the wastewater treatment systems failed following an inspection. I do not anticipate that there will be as many wastewater treatment systems as in Cavan County Council, but I accept there will be exceptional cases where, through nobody's fault, a substantial sum of money will have to be spent on remediation works. I am particularly conscious of that for low income families and people on social welfare. The most important matter as far as we are concerned is that people will register by 1 February 2013. If a person does not register, they will certainly not be considered for any grant assistance. Ultimately, I am anxious to ensure the systems are working properly, that groundwater is protected and that it is not a financial burden on anybody.