asked the Minister for Local Government if his attention has been drawn to a report that a private firm is now prepared to collect waste oil free; and if he will take steps to encourage firms to avail of this service wherever possible throughout the country in view of the fact that it is estimated that one million gallons are dumped each year.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Waste Oil Collection.
82.
A firm providing a free waste oil collection service have been in touch with my Department. I have informed them that while I would be unable to suggest to local authorities that they should avail of, or promote the use of, the services of a particular firm it would be open to the firm concerned to approach individual local authorities in the matter.
This is a very serious matter which we have discussed on and off in the past few months. I accept that the Minister cannot advocate one firm. I think that is the case when there is only one firm engaged in this business. Can the Parliamentary Secretary say whether there is more than one firm engaged in it?
I have not got that information.
Will the Parliamentary Secretary agree that this matter of oil waste pollution is very serious in our rivers and our lakes, and will he not take special steps to encourage the disposal of it? Will he consider sending a circular to the local authorities bringing this matter to their attention? No?
I will consider it.
I thought the Parliamentary Secretary was concerned about oil pollution. His Minister seemed to be.