asked the Minister for the Environment the number of prosecutions that have taken place under the Litter Act, 1982; and if he intends to instruct local authorities to use their power to better effect to combat indiscriminate littering which is rapidly bringing this Act into disrepute in the eyes of the public.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Litter Act Prosecutions.
13.
The Litter Act, 1982, became law on 1 August 1982 and I understand that in the first two years of its operation 429 prosecutions for various offences under the Act were taken by local authorities.
I have repeatedly urged local authorities to vigorously enforce the provisions of the Act and to utilise the strengthened statutory powers which the Act conferred on them to control and prevent litter. While I will continue to encourage them to intensify their efforts in this regard, I am nonetheless firmly convinced that success in dealing with the litter problem cannot be measured simply by reference to the number of prosecutions taken under the Act. It is my view that the litter problem can only be solved by the wholehearted support and co-operation of the general public who must be made aware of the need to maintain and improve the cleanliness and quality of their own local environment.
Under section 2 of the Act local authorities are empowered to take appropriate measures to prevent and overcome the harmful effects of litter in their functional areas and with this in mind I have promoted and encouraged local environment campaigns under which local communities are encouraged to improve their local environment with the active support of the local authority.
I also intend to launch a special environmental awareness programme within the next few weeks which will aim at fostering at all levels of society a greater appreciation of environmental values and of the need for conservation of environmental resources. Provision has been made in subhead U6 of my Department's Vote to finance the new programme this year.
Surely the Minister will agree that the Litter Act, 1982, has in effect fallen into disrepute despite the altruistic reply the Minister has given the House. Would he not, as a matter of urgency, given the high level of young unemployed, seek means to instigate a litter corps composed of young people who will do this work very effectively, trying to educate people to counteract this problem? The litter problem in Dublin has worsened, something like 45 tonnes of litter are removed from Dublin streets every day.
As I said in my reply we have encouraged local environmental campaigns throughout the country and I have made available a sum of £100,000 to encourage and promote a better attitude towards a clean environment. While legislation is a very good thing in itself, a better approach would be to educate the people, particularly young people. The idea behind this approach is to give our young people a greater sense of responsibility towards preserving a good clean environment. The money I am making available will help in this area. I encourage local authorities to take the necessary steps to improve the environment and I am willing to listen to any suggestions. I want to assure the Deputy of that because I am very concerned about this matter. If we do not have a clean environment this is a reflection on us.
A final supplementary from Deputy Molloy on the understanding that it is short and to the point.
I give way to Deputy Brady.
A final supplementary from Deputy G. Brady on the same understanding.
The Minister says a better approach is to educate people not to litter and we all realise that, but in my view he is begging the question. Enforcing the law is what matters and that is the purpose of my question. Will the Minister use his good offices to see that the Litter Act is enforced?
I can assure the Deputy of that.
The remaining questions will appear on tomorrow's Order Paper.