asked the Minister for Lands his policy on the conservation of waterlife.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Waterlife Conservation.
160.
Cavan): The Government have recently authorised me to proceed with the preparation of new legislation for the conservation of wildlife, including the conservation of waterlife, to the extent of my Department's involvement in this sector. The proposed legislation is now at drafting stage.
Can the Minister state if a large amount of the preparation work on this legislation was done by the previous administration?
(Cavan): This Bill has been in the course of preparation for several years and it has been under the authority of a few Ministers.
Can the Minister state when it will be introduced?
(Cavan): I regret I cannot give the Deputy an exact or even an approximate date. It certainly will not be introduced this side of Christmas but I am hopeful that it will be introduced next term.
Could the introduction of this Bill coincide with the introduction of the Bill on pollution by the Department of Local Government? Are two Bills necessary or would one Bill cover the situation?
(Cavan): The Bill referred to in Question No. 160 is a Bill dealing with forestry and wildlife and is not a Bill essentially dealing with pollution.
I do not know if the Minister can answer my query; am I correct in saying that another Bill to deal with pollution might be in preparation by the Department of Local Government?
(Cavan): I should not like to answer supplementary questions on behalf of the Minister for Local Government.