Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 399: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he intends to publish the water services Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9954/10]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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On 10 December 2009 and following a decision by the Government, I informed the House that I would be bringing forward proposals to give effect to the commitment in the renewed Programme for Government to introduce charging for domestic water use in a way that is fair, significantly reduces waste and is easily applied. Legislation will be required to give effect to this commitment. In October 2009, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) found that Ireland failed to make adequate legislation for dealing with domestic wastewater from septic tanks and other on-site wastewater treatment systems. My Department is currently considering the measures necessary to comply with the ECJ ruling and legislation will be required in this regard also. These matters are receiving priority attention and I will bring proposals, including draft legislation, to Government as soon as possible.