I would like to place on record my appreciation of the constructive approach of Deputies who contributed to the debate on this Bill and, in particular, Deputies O'Leary and Faulkner for the consideration which they gave to the improvement of the Bill.
As you know, the Bill was handled in the Seanad and during the earlier Stages in this House by the present Minister for Defence, who was then Parliamentary Secretary in my Department. However, I kept in close touch with its progress through all Stages and was very pleased that the Bill was so well received both here and in the Seanad. This reflects, I think, the strong desire on the part of the general public for effective action to be taken to deal with the pollution problem.
I should mention that when the Bill is enacted it may be necessary to bring it into operation in stages. Regulations and orders, some of which may be of a fairly detailed nature, will have to be made to give effect to certain provisions of the Bill and their preparation will take some time. Apart from this, implementation of some of the new controls will require the making of practical arrangements by local technical facilities. Staffing implications will also require consideration. It is, however, my firm intention to bring the various provisions of the Bill into operation as soon as these matters can reasonably be disposed of and I hope to be in a position to bring some of the provisions into effect without much delay.
Local authorities will, of course, have a major role to play in the implementation of this legislation and I am confident that they will perform their functions effectively and responsibly. Fishery interests, the Water Pollution Advisory Council and other bodies will also have important roles and I am sure that they too will play their full part in securing a co-operative and effective approach to the protection of our waters.
I will conclude by expressing the hope that this Bill will enable all of them to make a significant contribution towards keeping our waters free from pollution and be seen by developers and the general public as an earnest of the intention—not only of the Government but of all parties in this House—to see that that objective is achieved.
