asked the Minister for the Environment if he is aware of the imminent health risk to the citizens of Dublin from the thousands of tonnes of garbage presently littering the streets due to the unresolved dispute presently affecting collections; if he is further aware of the growing dangers from rats and the increasing anxieties of parents of small children who are now obliged to keep their children indoors due to the bags of refuse littering the streets; and whether in view of the urgent and growing threat to public health, there is any prospect of a Government initiative to bring this dispute to a speedy resolution.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Refuse Disposal Dispute.
13.
While refuse collection is a function of the local authority, the Deputy will be aware of the initiative which the Government took on 1 June when, after careful consideration, they concluded that, in the interests of public health, the situation in regard to the collection of refuse in Dublin could not be allowed to continue any longer and decided that the services of Army personnel and equipment should be made available to clear the backlog of refuse which had accumulated in suburban areas. I understand that the Army operation in this respect is still in progress and that that operation, coupled with the resources which the corporation were able to make available, has prevented the hazard to public health that might otherwise have arisen.
Is the Minister willing to answer the last part of the question, which is probably the most important point, that is, whether there is any prospect of a Government initiative to bring this dispute to a speedy resolution?
At the moment talks are going on. I am not saying they are going on at this particular time of the day but they were going on yesterday.
Is a member of the Government involved?
Submissions have been made by both sides and are now being considered by both sides.
Is it not a fact that the talks which are going on are part of a series of discussions which commenced many months ago for which the Government can claim no particular credit?
The talks to which I am referring are being conducted by the local government staff negotiating body. As I have said, submissions have been made and are now under consideration. I do not think it would be of any benefit for me to comment any further at this stage.
Question No. 14.
May I ask a final question?
The Deputy is on his feet. When he has asked the question he should resume his seat.
I will bear that in mind. Am I right in assuming that the Army operation is designed and executed to collect refuse from dumps which have become an obvious problem and not household refuse?
That was the original situation but they have now started to collect from door to door.
Since when?
The first exercise was to try to deal with the backlog.
Question No. 14.
When did the Army start to collect household refuse?
I cannot give the day.
They are not taking it.
They are.