James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 360: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the difference between an inspection charge for septic tanks and a registration charge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25031/11]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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My Department, along with the Office of the Attorney General, is finalising the preparation of a Bill to establish a system of inspection of septic tanks and other on-site systems. This is necessary to comply with a European Court of Justice ruling against Ireland in October 2009. I expect to bring the Bill to the Government in the coming weeks to seek approval for its publication. Full details of how the inspection system will operate will be announced at the time. I can confirm that the new legislation will require householders to register details of their on-site systems on a national register and a modest fee will be charged for registration. As I indicated in reply to Questions Nos. 1 and 2 of 15 September, a registration fee of no more than €50 is envisaged. The revenue generated from the registration fee will be used to implement a proportionate and risk-based approach to inspections. It is intended that inspections will be targeted to areas where drinking water sources or habitats are likely to be, or have been, affected by septic tank discharges. The inspections will be carried out in accordance with a national inspection plan which will be developed by the EPA. The implementation of the national inspection plan will be managed by the local authorities and there will be no charge to householders for inspections.