Vol. 272 No. 9
asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware that a child born in a city has a life expectancy several years less than one born in a village; and that damage to the health of the city dweller can be attributed to dust, toxic compounds in the air and noise; and if he proposes to take any action in the matter.
35.
asked the Minister for Local Government if he will make a statement on reports that air pollution is one of the major sicknesses of modern society as it can cause bodily illness; and if he has any proposals to deal with the problem.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 33 and 35 together.
My understanding is that there is not evidence to enable differences in life expectancies in this country as between urban and rural dwellers to be attributed to pollution or to support the statement that air pollution is one of the major causes of illness here.
Air and other pollution can, of course, be associated with illness. The effects of pollution, including the health effects, are being studied under the EEC environment programme and otherwise internationally. We will no doubt have the benefit of that work as it proceeds, and an opportunity of introducing any new safeguards that may be found useful or necessary in addition to those already operated here.
Would the Minister consider introducing even a limited advertising campaign to make people more aware of the dangers of pollution than they are now?
It might possibly be a good idea to make people more aware of it, although I think they are becoming very much aware of the effects of air pollution.
34.
asked the Minister for Local Government if he will consider the introduction of legislation on the lines of the Clear Air Acts, 1956, and 1968 in the United Kingdom.
The question of the need for new or additional measures for the control of air pollution is kept under review, account being taken of all the relevant circumstances.
36.
asked the Minister for Local Government why his Department will not involve itself actively in an effort to prevent the dumping of about one million gallons of waste oil each year, in view of the fact that at least one company is prepared to collect this waste oil without charge.
I would refer the Deputy to the reply given to his question on the subject on 19th July, 1973, which indicated that local authorities are responsible for water pollution control and waste disposal in their areas and it would not be appropriate for me to promote the business of particular firms. I may add that I have not evidence that the disposal of waste oil causes a significant environmental problem here at present.
The problem is that there are so many local authorities. Is there any way in which the Minister could get one agency to ensure that this waste oil is collected and recycled?
I do not think there is. This matter is being considered but I do not think there is any way in which the issue raised by the Deputy could be dealt with by one agency.
37.
asked the Minister for Local Government if, in view of the fact that contingency plans have been prepared against oil pollution in the Limerick, Clare and North Tipperary areas, he will arrange for similar plans to be prepared for the south and east coasts where the risk of such pollution is greatest.
In response to a request issued by my Department to all maritime local authorities the preparation of contingency plans for clearance of oil pollution by the local authorities concerned along the south and east coasts is in general well advanced. The Department continues to keep the position under review in all areas.
