Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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438. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government when the application forms for the upcoming septic tank grants be made available; where will the funding be coming from for these grants; the persons who will be administering this funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2397/13]

Thomas Pringle (Donegal South West, Independent)
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448. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government when the national inspection plan for individual waste water treatment systems will be finalised and published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2574/13]

Thomas Pringle (Donegal South West, Independent)
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449. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if he will comment on any progress that has been made in fulfilling the commitments made to the European Court in the judgement of 19 December 2012, C-374/11, specifically those referred to in paragraphs 34 and 41 of that judgement; the reason for any delays; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2576/13]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 438, 448 and 449 together.

I recently announced my intention to introduce a grant scheme to provide financial assistance to households whose septic tanks and other domestic wastewater treatment systems require remediation or upgrading following inspection under the Water Services (Amendment) Act 2012. I am making provision for the scheme in my Department’s Vote for 2013. The scheme will apply to treatment systems which have been registered by the due date of 1 February 2013 and which are deemed to require remediation having failed an inspection carried out under the 2012 Act. The grant payable will depend on the cost of the work necessary and the income of the household concerned, and the scheme will provide a higher level of support to households on lower incomes. Full details of the scheme will be set out in regulations which I will make in advance of inspections commencing this year. The Water Services (Amendment) Act 2012 provides that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will make a National Inspection Plan for domestic wastewater treatment systems. The judgment of the European Court of Justice highlighted in particular that the National Inspection Plan has not yet been developed. I understand that the Plan is very close to being finalised by the Agency . My Department will continue to liaise with the European Commission to ensure full compliance with our obligations.