asked the Taoiseach (a) if he has any proposals to set up a Ministry to tackle the problems of pollution, and with special responsibility for environmental planning, (b) if he has considered appointing a commission to investigate the problems of pollution, (c) if he considers it necessary to delegate sole responsibility to one Government Department to tackle the problem of pollution, in view of the present unsatisfactory situation, and (d) if he is aware of the ever-increasing problem of pollution, and what steps he has taken to alleviate this situation.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Pollution Problem.
14.
It is not proposed to establish a special Ministry to tackle the problems of pollution. Some time ago I requested the Minister for Local Government to arrange for high-level inter-departmental discussions on the subject of co-ordinating measures on air and water pollution. These discussions have been held and, as a result, the Minister is arranging to set up a working group representative of all Government Departments concerned to examine and report to him on the nature and extent of the air and water pollution problems, the different remedial strategies that might be adopted, the cost of such strategies and the distribution of the cost between the State, local authorities and the private sector, including industry, the adequacy of existing legislation and the need for new legislation.
The existing functions of the Departments in this field will be co-ordinated through this group.
Would the Taoiseach be able to say when he believes this working group will be in a position to produce some definite findings? Does the Taoiseach agree that in view of the warnings given by Dr. Terence Chapman of Baggot Street Hospital pulmonary unit and also by Mr. Arthur Dewhurst of the Institute for Industrial Research and Standards, who said that drinking water in this country will be a problem by 1980, he should say whether or not he fully believes that it is essential for him to set up a special Government Department or else appoint one Minister with special responsibility to address himself to this ever-growing problem?
I am fully aware of the urgency of this problem. The direction I gave to the Minister for Local Government was given only some months ago and it has already been implemented and now this co-ordinating group is being set up. I can assure the Deputy that no time will be lost in implementing whatever proposals we can undertake.
Could the Taoiseach indicate what Minister this working group will work under or what ministerial Department? Will it be related solely to the Department of Local Government?
Not solely but, as I indicated in my original reply I had asked the Minister for Local Government to initiate these activities, one can assume that the main function will be under the Minister for Local Government.
Would the Taoiseach agree——
I am calling Question No. 15.