Lynn Boylan (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I ask the Minister of State once again why we are asking to opt for a threshold that is in direct contrast with that of all our nearest neighbours and countries with similar levels of rainfall and similar hydrology. The Minister of State needs to describe the rationale for the thresholds. The joint committee heard from the experts and made a recommendation to reduce the threshold from 25 cu. m to 10 cu. m. The Office of Parliamentary Legal Advisers gave its opinion on it and said that, as matters stand, the level is inconsistent with the water framework directive and the assessment of existing abstractions below 25 cu. m or proposed abstractions. In its view, the thresholds appear to be arbitrary. Therefore, we need to hear a very clear rationale from the Minister of State as to why the thresholds were chosen, considering that they are completely out of kilter with those of the nearest countries with which we can compare ourselves.