asked the Minister for Health if his Department are keeping the most up-to-date developments in sewage treatment and disposal under review; and if this information is being passed on to the responsible medical authorities throughout the country.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Sewage Disposal.
17.
Sewage treatment and disposal are among the functions of sanitary authorities for whom my colleague, the Minister for Local Government, is the appropriate Minister.
I am aware that the appropriate technical advisory staff of the Department of Local Government keep abreast of the latest developments in matters such as sewage treatment and disposal. There is close liaison between these officers and their counterparts in the field services, who in turn work side by side with the medical officers of the sanitary authorities. In this way the latter officers are kept fully informed on such matters.
Does the Minister consider it appropriate that this should continue to be entirely a medical responsibility and not a joint responsibility with the engineering services?
I understand there is liaison between sanitary authorities and medical officers of the health boards. They perform functions for local sanitary authorities on an agency basis and are kept informed of developments in the field of treatment and disposal of sewage in the manner I have indicated.
Is it not the medical officer who has the final responsibility in all cases?
Yes.