asked the Minister for the Environment the existing regulations for the protection of public health with respect to the carcinogenic effects of hydro-carbons, plant protection products, asbestos dust, chemical food additives, tobacco smoke and the effects of industrial dust and smoke on workers and adjacent residential areas; and the proposals, if any, for the introduction of legislation on ministerial orders in these areas.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Public Health Protection.
4.
The making of regulations to protect public health with respect to the carcinogenic effects of substances of the type referred to by the Deputy would be a matter for the Minister for Health. Regulations for the protection of workers from the effects of industrial dust and smoke would be a matter for the Minister for Labour. The Control of Atmospheric Pollution Regulation made by the Minister for Local Government in 1970 provides for the protection of residential areas from the effects of industrial dust and smoke. A limited number of industries, mainly chemical, are subject to control by my Department under the Alkali, &c. Works Regulation Act, 1906 as regards emissions. Such industries are required to register annually and are subject to inspection by my Department. In the case of new industrial development planning controls under the Local Government (Planning and Development) Acts can be used to limit omissions of dust and smoke. The operation of the statutory controls for which I am responsible is kept under constant review and whatever amending legislation is considered necessary will be brought forward in due course.
Is the Minister satisfied with the degree of compliance with the registration necessity by such companies as he has referred to?
With regard to the Local Government Act, an inspection takes place each year by an inspector of my Department and I am reasonably satisfied that this is carried out diligently.
The Minister referred to the need for companies to register with his Department. Is he satisfied with the degree of registration? Would he amplify that by indicating when the last such registrations were completed? In other words, is the list up-to-date?
The regulations in question, the set limits with regard to the emission from premises and so on——
That is not what I am talking about. I am talking about the companies who are supposed to register with the Department. Are they doing so?
As far as I am aware they are, but whether it is satisfactory or not I do not know. I would like to check.
That is the whole purpose of the question. If the Minister would like to check it further that is all right with me.