Limerick East): I propose to answer Questions Nos. 88, 89 and 90 together.
My Department deals with a large volume of parliamentary questions and it is not possible to isolate the cost of dealing with individual questions. The information requested in the parliamentary question on 16 May 1995 was of a general nature and was supplied. The parliamentary question on 25 May 1995 requested more specific information which was sought from the health board concerned and supplied.
I am advised by the Western Health Board that tests carried out on water samples from the Ballycroy scheme involve chemical and bacteriological testing and the scientific criterion of contamination used is the presence of coliforms in the water samples.
The results of the tests on the Ballycroy group water scheme carried out in 1991 and 1992 by the Western Health Board were forwarded to the County Council and to the trustees of the scheme. The board recommended treatment of the water to ensure a safe supply.