asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware of the large number of disused waterfilled quarries in the suburbs of Dublin, which constitute a grave danger to young people, and of the failure of the local authorities concerned to take action to eliminate this danger; and if he will make a statement on the matter in view of the grave public concern about the number of fatal accidents in such quarries.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Disused Quarries in Dublin Suburbs.
31.
Mr. Ryan
I am aware that there are a number of disused water filled quarries in the Dublin suburbs. I am not aware that the local authorities concerned failed to take any action which was open to them to eliminate danger to young people. I am informed that the dangerous quarries in the Dublin area are within enclosed private property and can be approached only by trespassing and that the existing powers of local authorities do not permit of any effective action by them in such cases. The possibility of giving them wider powers is being examined in the general review of sanitary services legislation which is being carried out at present.
Mr. Ryan
In view of the grave danger of further fatal accidents in these places, will the Minister be good enough to treat this matter as one of serious urgency as young children cannot be expected to appreciate the legal niceties of trespass and more drastic action on the part of the Minister and the local authorities is needed?
I think that the Deputy will agree that if everybody concerned with the danger to young children in this country do their jobs as urgently as I have done mine, there would be little complaint. I am examining this matter and I shall take the necessary steps.
Mr. Ryan
I hope the Minister will attend to this business of the quarries more urgently than he attended to the Electoral Act.
I did not get paid as a witness.
The Minister was paid by this House.
Mr. Ryan
£4,000.
It is rather a coincidence that the figure should be £4,000. I think that is the figure the Deputy is claiming for himself.
Mr. Ryan
Arising out of the gross inaccuracy——
I cannot allow this matter to be introduced.
Mr. Ryan
I agree it should not have been introduced, but it has been introduced and it is in the worst of taste.