Ciarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour)
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Question 13: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps he has taken to deliver the programme for Government commitment in relation to assisting the replacement of septic tanks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18110/09]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 40: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to introduce a grant to upgrade septic tanks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18060/09]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 13 and 40 together.

The results of the last Census of Population indicated that about 418,000 houses, or 32% of the total stock of just over 1.3 million houses, were served by septic tanks in 2006. The Programme for Government includes a commitment in regard to a scheme of support for the replacement and upgrading of septic tanks older than fifteen years with newer systems. While my Department has been examining the conditions which might attach to such a scheme, the timeframe for pursuing this commitment will remain under ongoing review, having regard to current budgetary constraints. The Environmental Protection Agency has finalised an updated code of practice for waste water treatment systems for single houses which will incorporate the requirements of new European Standards due to come into force on 1 July 2009. I will incorporate the new Code of Practice under Part H of the Building Regulations as soon as possible this year.