John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein)
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537. To ask the Minister for Health if he will detail the health threats posed to users by lead water pipes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10860/23]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The World Health Organization (WHO) now considers that no level of lead in drinking water is completely safe. The WHO advise that the ultimate goal should be the removal of all lead piping likely to supply water for drinking.

The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage is responsible for policy and legislation in relation to drinking water quality. Since 1 January 2014 Uisce Éireann has statutory responsibility for the provision of public water services. It should be noted that the Government has developed a National Strategy to Reduce Exposure to Lead in Drinking Water and Uisce Éireann has developed a Lead in Drinking Water Mitigation Plan.

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, behaviour and attention, with the risk being greatest for young children, infants and babies in the womb. Furthermore, lead may harm the kidneys and may contribute to high blood pressure. Lead has also been linked to cancer.

Further information can be obtained on the following websites:

HSE Consumer Advice:

www.hse.ie/eng/health/hl/water/drinkingwater/lead/

EPA and HSE Joint Position Paper:

www.hse.ie/eng/health/hl/water/drinkingwater/lead/hse-epa-jointpositionpaperleadindrinkingwater.pdf