asked the Minister for Local Government the features of the environment in the context of pollution control which are dealt with in his Department.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Pollution Control.
47.
The pollution control programmes dealt with in my Department are concerned with the following features of the environment —air, water, land use and noise to the extent provided for, principally, in the Local Government (Planning and Development) Act and the Local Government (Sanitary Services) Acts and the Alkali Works Regulation Act.
I have no wish to be contentious in this regard but is there not now a clear case to be made for having a department of the environment so as to ensure the future of our nation in so far as the prevention of pollution is concerned? Pollution is becoming a greater challenge to living all the time. Therefore, I ask the Minister to bring to the attention of the Government the need for a department such as I have mentioned?
That is another matter.
Would the Minister agree that there is a need for a central agency to be involved in dealing with the problem of pollution?
The Deputy is asking me to commit the Government to a certain situation.
I am not.
While I agree with practically everything the Deputy has said, I cannot commit anybody. Of course, there is need for more attention to be given to this problem which is very serious.
Can the Minister say whether the position in relation to this matter is still as we understood it to be under the previous Government, namely, that the Minister for Local Government has primary responsibility for environmental matters, pollution, conservation, et cetera.
That is so.
Is it also the position that in the main the Minister relies on the local authorities to be the principal instruments in the implementation of environmental, anti-pollution and conservation policy?
Yes, and, of course, the Department of Lands, of Agriculture and Fisheries and other Departments are involved also.
I know there are many Departments involved and also many agencies, but is it not the situation that the Minister for Local Government has prime responsibility in this area?
Yes.
Perhaps it is not fair to make this request of the Minister since he is only standing in for another Minister but would he consider reviewing the position where he relies on local authorities to be his principal agents in this area because inside many areas the local authorities are often the worst causers of pollution?
I will convey the Deputy's remarks to the Minister.