asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry if his attention has been drawn to serious pollution in the Youghal and Ardmore areas in County Waterford and in the estuary of the Blackwater River; and the steps, if any, being taken to rectify the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - River Pollution.
30.
(Cavan-Monaghan): I am aware of recent reports of the presence in areas off the south coast of marine algal blooms, commonly referred to as red tide. These concentrations of algae, which take place under certain conditions during the late summer months, are natural occurrences. There are no known remedial measures for combating these natural occurrences. The effect on fish can be minimised only by counter measures such as the diversion of fishing or the removal of farmed fish.
My Department have been engaged in diagnostic work on marine algal blooms in recent years and the scientific staff keep in close touch with other bodies here and abroad who are investigating the causes of these occurrences. The long term aim of these investigations is to develop an early warning system for fishermen.
(Dublin North-West): Might I seek your direction on a particular matter, a Cheann Comhairle, in your capacity as Ceann Comhairle of this House, in relation to three questions I had tabled here — one to the Minister for the Environment, another to the Minister for Health and another to the Minister for Defence — all of which you have adjudged to be out of order, including my attempt to raise this question on an Adjournment in this House? Can you tell me, a Cheann Comhairle, how I would go about finding out who, if anybody, has the responsibility for the health and maintenance of good environment in the Ballymun Flats area where the lifts have been out of order for the past three months due to a strike caused by trade unionists from an English trade union, where the health and well-being of women and children in the largest flat complex in Europe has been jeopardised to such an extent that it has now become a national disgrace.
Thank you, Deputy, for your statement. The Deputy is at liberty to come up and discuss that with us. It is not a question for any Minister in this House——
(Dublin North-West): A Cheann Comhairle——
I am sorry, Deputy, I have allowed you some latitude and I cannot allow any more. The remaining questions will appear on tomorrow's Order Paper.