Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government his view on a submission (details supplied) regarding septic tanks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54266/12]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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The Water Services (Amendment) Act 2012 provides for the introduction of a registration and inspection system for domestic wastewater treatment systems. The Water Services Acts 2007 and 2012 (Domestic Waste Water Treatment Systems) Regulations 2012 set out the performance standards that treatment systems must comply with. The basic standard to be met by all domestic wastewater treatment systems is that they do not cause a risk to human health or the environment.

Inspections , which are to be carried out by the local authorities, will not commence until mid-2013 and will be objective and evidence-based. Householders can be assured that if their systems are working properly and are being maintained, they need not be concerned. There will be a proportionate and risk-based approach to inspections, which will be targeted towards areas where drinking water sources or habitats are at risk from septic tank discharges. My Department is currently examining the possibility of introducing a grants scheme as part of the inspection system. However, any grants scheme introduced will have regard to the overall budgetary situation and the financial position of the individual households concerned.