asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce the features of the environment in the context of pollution control which are dealt with in his Department.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers (Resumed). - Pollution Control.
91.
While I have no specific statutory function in relation to the prevention of pollution, I am concerned with the control of environmental pollution related to industrial and mining development.
Would the Minister agree, in view of the proposed dumping of chemicals by a Danish firm 200 miles from the southern coast of Ireland, that there is now a greater need than ever to have pollution and pollution control dealt with by a separate agency, a Department of the Environment?
I would not prejudge the most appropriate organisation, whether it would be a Department of the Environment or some other structure, but I do share the Deputy's concern and I agree with him that in the whole area of environment protection and pollution control we need to strengthen the existing mechanisms.
I thank the Minister for his reasonable reply but would he not agree that the effort to control pollution, both nationally and internationally, is disparate; it is spread over too many departments, too many areas? Would he not agree that there is a greater need than ever for a central control agency? I would suggest a Department of the Environment as a matter of extreme urgency. It is becoming a more urgent problem every day.
I accept the urgency of the matter and that, perhaps, as the situation has evolved, we have not been dealing with it as vigorously as warranted. I do not wish to prejudge what would be the most appropriate structure for dealing with the problem but some such structure is necessary. However, whether that would take the form of another department is something I am not certain of.
Can the Minister say whether, under the existing legislation and regulations, there are any discussions in progress between the various bodies concerned so as to ascertain what immediate action might be taken in this regard?
There is a good deal of vigorous activity in relation to the general question of pollution control but, as Deputy Andrews pointed out, this activity is scattered between a number of organisations. While I do not have a statutory responsibility in this regard, I have responsibility for the Institute for Industrial Research and Standards which, in their own way, have made an important contribution to the control of pollution and to the setting of standards as well as providing a monetary service, particularly in relation to water and also in respect of other types of atmospheric pollution. I visited the institute recently and indicated to them my conviction that it is important that the work should be done more vigorously. I do not think there is any disagreement on that score. There is a need for bringing together the separate bits of our pollution control effort in a more coherent way.
Is the Minister aware that the former Minister for Lands had put certain proposals before the Government in this regard and that these were being considered by the several Departments concerned as well as by An Foras Forbartha, CIE, Bord na Móna and other bodies? Can the Minister say if this joint meeting of minds is still in progress in an effort to find a solution to the problem?
I am not clear as to exactly what meeting of minds the Deputy is referring to. This is a matter that exercises the minds of the Government collectively and individually. There is a good deal of discussion with the relevant experts in the various Departments and there is active consideration of the question of integration.
The time allotted for questions has now expired.
One short question—can the Minister say when the new Planning Bill will be introduced because this Bill would deal with some of the problems in this regard?
That is a matter for another Minister.
It is the responsibility of the Government.
Would the Minister urge his Government to make a protest to the Danish Government, even at this late stage, in connection with the dumping of matter 200 miles off our coast in view of what has been stated since I raised this matter on the adjournment the other evening?
I agree that there is at least confusion in the report. Some reports have told us that the matter is seriously dangerous while others say it is innocuous. I wish to get as near as possible to a neutral and objective opinion as to the seriousness of the matter. Then, if we are convinced that it involves serious danger I will urge the making of a protest to the Danish Government.
Is the Minister aware that the dumping may have taken place already, or that it may be about to take place and that, therefore, protest may be too late?
I agree that time is short. Of course the Deputy is aware also that this incident has got publicity but that a number of countries are dumping also in this way continuously.
The point is that we should be against such dumping in principle.
I agree.