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Dáil
‹ An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business

Drinking water toxins judgment

Summary

Deputy Joan Collins cited the European Court of Justice ruling that Ireland had breached EU drinking-water standards because of trihalomethanes in supplies. The Taoiseach said water quality was paramount, the Government was studying the judgment, and it would respond in due course.

Last Thursday, Ireland was convicted in the European Court of Justice for having toxins in drinking water above EU safety levels. The court found that drinking water for nearly 240,000 people, in 23 of the 54 water supplies across the State, have levels of trihalomethanes, THMs, with the State failing in its obligation to rid public and private water supplies of toxins. The court said that THMs are of concern for human health and the environment, since the long-term exposure to high levels of chemical compounds in drinking water may pose risks such as cancer, in particular, bladder and colon cancers, and can cause gastric problems and skin irritation. Could the Taoiseach outline what steps the Government is taking to ensure Irish Water fulfils the State's obligation to rid public and private drinking water supplies of all toxins above EU safety limits?

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Leo Varadkar The Taoiseach Fine Gael

I thank the Deputy. The safety and quality of drinking water is paramount. We are aware of the judgment in the case, and we are studying the details of it. We will respond to it in early course.

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