Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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Question 212: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if the appropriate inspectors with the qualified experience will be appointed to inspect the state of septic tanks and if proper professional certification of fitness of the septic tanks will be granted to the residents upon inspection; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40428/11]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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On 3 November 2011, I published the Water Services Amendment Bill 2011 which will introduce a system of registration and inspection for septic tanks and other on-site waste water treatment systems. The appointment of inspectors is dealt with in Section 70E of the Bill. The Environmental Protection Agency will appoint inspectors for the purposes of the new system and specific criteria regarding professional or technical qualifications, training and professional indemnity insurance requirements will have to be met by those applying for appointment. I will be specifying the criteria in Regulations to be made following enactment of the Bill.

Inspections will be carried out to identify domestic waste water treatment systems which pose a risk to public health or the environment. The results of the inspection will be notified to the householders concerned, in addition to being notified to the relevant water services authority.