Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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71. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government if he has received clarification or advice as to whether amending the Water Services Act 2007 can adequately address the requirements for Ireland to comply with the water framework directive and the waste water directive of European law; if he has received further clarification from the EU Commission in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16801/17]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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My Department continually monitors Ireland's compliance with EU legislation on water policy and has engaged with the Attorney General's Office on this matter. In January, my Department provided the Special Oireachtas Committee on the Future Funding of Domestic Water Services with the most recent letter I received from EU Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Commissioner Vella regarding the future funding of water services and compliance with EU legislation. I note that the committee heard evidence from Commission officials as part of its deliberations.

The Special Oireachtas Committee is due to Report with its recommendations before 14 April. Any legislative provisions that are brought forward following a vote by the Oireachtas will need to be framed against the requirement to comply with EU water directives.