Grace O'Sullivan (Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I apologise for not being present for some of the presentations, but I had to go to the Seanad Chamber for a vote.

My question is about the risk assessment approach and the steps being taken to address the synthetic polymers being found in water. We are becoming aware of new contaminants, particularly micro-plastics and microbeads, and the ability of toxins to attach to these beads of plastics passing through water. What steps are being taken to have filtration systems or other mechanisms to ensure the public is drinking high quality water, not water that is contaminated by the new beast, of which we have become aware through different publications in the United States and the United Kingdom? I would welcome any assurance the delegates could give in that regard in the context of this proposal. Also, what steps are being taken to ensure water supplies are of the highest standard?