Page 40 of the programme for Government refers to investment in wastewater treatment. In our towns and villages, in particular, we need that investment now more than ever. I know the Tánaiste is familiar with Kinsale and near Kinsale there is a small village called Belgooly. The residents of that village have to close their windows and doors because of the foul stench coming from a treatment plant that clearly does not work. In the village of Shannonvale, near my home town of Clonakilty, there is a black liquid coming up to the surface of an area where children should be at play. They have had to cordon it off. Will the Tánaiste comment on the future investment in wastewater treatment, particularly in our towns and villages? Will he look into those two individual cases? I do not expect the Tánaiste to have detailed answers on them but I ask him to give me an assurance that someone will seek to address them. Irish Water's response to date has been wholly inadequate.

I thank the Deputy for raising this matter. There is a very extensive, multibillion euro capital programme which Irish Water is implementing on an ongoing basis. Huge improvements have been made in recent years in terms of water quality, reduction in amounts of unaccounted water, reduction in number of boil notices and so on. However, a huge amount remains to be done because of the level of underinvestment that occurred for a very long time prior to the establishment of Irish Water. This will be a priority for the Minister, Deputy Darragh O'Brien. I will ask him to come back to the Deputy on those particular places.