Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick East, Fine Gael)
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Question 18: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans for septic tank upgrade works and regulation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2521/10]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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The renewed Programme for Government includes a commitment to introduce a scheme for the licensing and inspection of septic tanks and other on-site waste water treatment systems. In October 2009, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) found that Ireland failed to make adequate legislation for dealing with domestic waste-water from septic tanks and other on-site wastewater treatment systems.

My Department is chairing a task force to consider how the inspection of septic tanks should be carried out and I intend undertaking consultations with stakeholders on the matter. In order to comply with the ECJ ruling, legislation will be required to give effect to the new inspection system. At this stage, while this matter is receiving priority attention, it is too early to estimate when the new arrangements will be operational.

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. It is not possible to estimate how many of these septic tanks would be considered to be defective. It is important to note that primary responsibility for ensuring the treatment system is functioning properly rests with the occupier of a premises or, if unoccupied, the owner.