asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he is aware of the large-scale pollution of the river Suir between Thurles and Golden, County Tipperary; if an inquiry has been held into the cause of the pollution; and the results of any such inquiry.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - River Suir Pollution.
28.
I am aware of the pollution problem in the Suir where a serious fish kill occurred recently between Thurles and Golden. The matter is being fully investigated by the Waterford Board of conservators who are responsible for the protection of fish life in the area.
I am disappointed that that is all the Parliamentary Secretary can tell me. The question was put down more than a week ago asking him if any inquiry was made by his Department in this matter. I did not receive a reply to that.
The pollution officer of the Waterford Board of Conservators is investigating the cause of the fish kill. We sent down a special inspector to help him.
When was that inspector sent down?
This week.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware when the pollution first occurred?
As soon as we heard about it we took immediate action.
When did the Parliamentary Secretary first hear about it?
When I read the press report. A sample of water was taken by the pollution officer immediately the matter came to our notice. That sample is being analysed and it is hoped to have a result shortly.
In view of the seriousness of the situation and the large number of fish which are being destroyed by pollution, could he say——
We are examining why this happens.
——if there is a semi-State body involved?
We know there are four possible causes: a co-operative creamery in the vicinity, Thurles Urban Council, who are not altogether blameless, the Thurles Co-operative Livestock Sales; and the Irish Sugar Company. They could be possible causes. We do not know. We are making an investigation and our people will be reporting as soon as the analysis is complete.
Will the Parliamentary Secretary assure the House that the findings of this report will be made public?
The findings will be examined by my Department and appropriate action will be taken.
Will the Parliamentary Secretary ensure that the findings of the report are made public?
The findings will be received by my Department and dealt with in the usual way.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary to the Taoiseach press the button and get the tape recorder changed? Will the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries ensure that the findings of the report will be made public?
Order. Repetition is not in order.
Exactly.
This is the third time the Deputy has asked this question.
I asked the same question and got the same answer which was not satisfactory.
The Chair has no control over that.
I said the report will be examined by the Department and appropriate action will be taken.
Will the Parliamentary Secretary assure us that the report will be made public?
I have told the Deputy what will happen.
He will do nothing.