asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware of the general complaints about the poor quality of PVC plastic piping used in water schemes; and if the manufacture of such piping is subject to the standard laid down by the Institute for Industrial Research and Standards.

No complaints have been received in my Department about PVC piping. A standard specification has been declared for these goods. Compliance with the standard is optional and it is a matter for the purchaser to specify whether he requires pipes which comply with the standard.

In fact, these Balbriggan pipes are excellent.