asked the Minister for Education if he will undertake appropriate educational campaigns to stimulate public awareness of the severe dangers of noise pollution.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Noise Pollution.
75.
Mr. R. Burke
Noise pollution is already taken as part of the general topic of conservation in the teaching of the subjects Civics and Environmental Studies. Since European Conservation Year in particular teachers of those subjects have been encouraged to stress the importance of conservation in general. This general topic is also a feature of other school projects at present.
Is the Minister aware that there is a general unawareness of the dangers of noise pollution. The question asks him if he will undertake appropriate educational campaigns to stimulate public awareness. Will the Minister do this to get greater public awareness of the problem?
Mr. R. Burke
I have told the Deputy that this is already being done. The Deputy has served a useful function in drawing attention to this. I would point out that the question of noise pollution is primarily a matter for the Department of Local Government who issue rules about noise levels.
My question suggests that there should be an educational campaign because, no matter what the Minister says to me, there is a general public unawareness of the problem.
Mr. R. Burke
The teachers do this in the subjects I have mentioned. The Deputy has now drawn attention to it and I hope that some extra effort may be put into it on foot of his question.
So the answer is "No"?
Mr. R. Burke
It is not "No". I have told the Deputy it is done in those subjects.