asked the Minister for Local Government if he will arrange with local authorities for improvements in the measures necessary to safeguard people from bathing accidents.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Precautions against Bathing Accidents.
In September, 1948, a circular letter was addressed to local authorities calling attention to the provisions of the Local Government (Sanitary Services) Act, 1948, empowering local authorities to take certain precautions for the safety of bathers. The circular letter expressed the Minister's deep concern at the number of bathing fatalities which occur annually at seaside resorts. The replies furnished indicate that local authorities are aware of their powers to make bathing safer and that generally they are using these powers. I am continuing, where necessary, to urge particular authorities to give this question the attention it deserves.
Is the Minister aware that a very large percentage of bathing fatalities occur in inland rivers, and would the Parliamentary Secretary now take special measures to bring the danger of those rivers to the notice of the public? I think that danger is not generally appreciated. Will he see that county councils and local authorities provide at least a life-belt in any recognised bathing place and see that warning notices are erected at places that are known to be dangerous?
All this has been done. As I stated the Minister is aware of the many bathing fatalities that have occurred, particularly during this month. Under the Sanitary Services Act, 1948, local authorities have power to do certain things and to take certain steps to safeguard swimmers and bathers. As I also stated in my reply, the Minister is concerned in respect of the inaction of certain local authorities and will draw their attention to the powers which they have under the Act referred to.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary inform the House at whose behest the local authority takes action to provide these facilities?
I should imagine that the public would take action through their representatives on the local bodies.