Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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488. To ask the Minister for Health his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding public health concerns in connection with lead in pipes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25105/15]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government is responsible for policy and legislation in relation to drinking water quality. Since 1 January 2014 Irish Water has statutory responsibility for the provision of public water services.

The Government recently approved a National Strategy to reduce exposure to lead in drinking water which was prepared by the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government (DECLG) and my Department, in consultation with Irish Water, the HSE and the EPA. Part of the Strategy will see the establishment of a new grant scheme to assist low income households to replace lead pipes in their home. It is envisaged that the grant scheme will be administered by local authorities and that the available resources will be prioritised to areas of highest risk. The terms and conditions of the scheme will be publicised as soon as they are finalised by the DECLG, who will have responsibility for the scheme.

One of the main health risks associated with lead in water is that it can affect the development of a child’s brain leading to problems with learning and behaviour. Lead may harm the kidneys and may contribute to high blood pressure. It has also been linked to cancer.

The HSE have advised that no level of lead in drinking water is now considered to be completely safe. It is therefore best to keep everybody’s exposure to lead, from all sources (drinking, eating, inhaling), as low as possible. Everybody should therefore try to drink water with as little lead in it as possible. Further advice can be obtained on the following websites.

HSE consumer advice

Joint position paper of the EPA and HSE

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