asked the Minister for Local Government whether his Department measure air pollution; and, if so, what is the rate of air pollution in Dublin, Cork and Galway.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Air Pollution.
41.
Measurements of air pollution are made on a voluntary basis by various bodies on behalf of my Department but so far these are not on a scale, or over a sufficiently long period, to enable a definite statement to be made of levels of air pollution in any of the cities referred to by the Deputy.
Could the Minister state whether there is any figure for any area in Dublin from any of these voluntary bodies?
No. It would be necessary to have these measurements taken over a prolonged period before any reliable figure could be arrived at.
Could the Minister state what period would be required?
No. It would obviously have to be over a few years.
Could the Minister tell us when measurements of air pollution started?
There are 50 sets of apparatus in operation at 33 sites located in seven areas at the present time. Only 14 of these were in operation in 1960.
When are results expected from them?
That is a separate question. I am calling Question No. 42.
I have tabled a separate question on this. Last week I was told it was not the responsibility of the Minister to measure air pollution.
The Deputy should put down a separate question.
Would the Minister give the results from the Baggot Street hospital pulmonary unit? They have the figures and the Minister has them.
I was not asked for them. The Deputy should put down the questions which he wants answered and not questions he does not want answered.
Would the Minister now furnish the figures?
I was not asked for them.
Does the Minister intend to introduce legislation to control and limit the amount of toxic material which may be discharged into the air and sea?
An advertisement has been published asking for comments from people and for their observations on the proposal.