asked the Minister for Health if he considers air and water pollution largely caused by industrial expansion around larger centres to be injurious to health; and, if so, what steps he proposes to take to counteract this disturbing development.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Pollution Problem.
37.
I have no evidence indicating that pollution as described by the Deputy around larger centres in this country has proved injurious to health.
I should like to point out that while I would be concerned to ensure that the level of pollution does not constitute a health hazard I have no direct functions in regard to the causes of and remedies for pollution.
I would refer the Deputy to the Taoiseach's reply to a question by Deputy Enright today in which he outlined arrangements for consultation between Government Departments on the matter of pollution.
Does the Minister not agree that air pollution and water pollution are a hazard to health?
Pollution can be a hazard under certain circumstances, but I have no evidence that it is causing a health hazard at the present time.
Am I to take it that the Minister considers there is no air pollution or water pollution whatsoever and that what one reads in the newspapers every day is just so much nonsense?
It depends on whether the polluted water is used for drinking purposes. So far as my Department is concerned, I have no evidence of people suffering as a result of drinking polluted water.
Did the Minister see the statements by Dr. Terence Chapman of Baggot Street Hospital pulmonary unit and Mr. Arthur Dewhurst of the Institute for Industrial Research and Standards in which they forecast that in ten years time drinking water will be unsafe? Has the Minister seen these reports?
The Taoiseach made the position quite clear in reply to an earlier question on this matter. The whole question of pollution is being studied in the way the Taoiseach indicated.
There is a great deal of pollution. More than the waters are polluted.