asked the Minister for the Environment the action he proposes to take to deal with the escalating litter problem.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Litter Problem.
9.
Local authorities have extensive powers under the Litter Act, 1982, to prevent and overcome the harmful effects of litter in their areas and I have repeatedly urged them to make full use of these powers. I intend to make a further approach to local authorities in relation to the matter in the near future. I am firmly of the view, however, that legislative measures must be backed up in this case by the wholehearted co-operation of the general public. Earlier this year, I established the Environment Awareness Bureau whose primary functions include the fostering at all levels of society of a greater appreciation of environmental values and a more caring attitude to the environment. I am confident that the bureau's programmes will make a noticeable impact on the litter problem.
Would the Minister not agree that the control of this litter, the dumping of which is rampant along the roads, is a matter of extreme urgency? Also would he accept that foreign visitors to Ireland are appalled not alone at the level of litter but also at our apparent acceptance of it as normal?
Any of us will have to agree with the statement made by the Deputy. I do not think that the passing of an Act or the imposition of fines is the answer. As I have said, it is a question of education of and co-operation from the general public. We all know about people who litter and we must ensure that such people are discouraged. All of us can do it. When we see people dropping litter we should tick them off and tell they they are breaking the law. That would have a very beneficial effect. The maximum fine for littering offences has been substantially increased to £800 and there is also provision for a £5 on-the-spot fine system to be operated by litter wardens. In the end it is a question of improving our own habits. That would have a far more beneficial effect than all the legislation and the exhortations I can make as Minister.
Have the Department any system of monitoring the action taken against people found dumping litter? The local authorities are spending substantial sums on dumps but it is a useless exercise.
Up-to-date figures regarding the level of enforcement of the Act are not available in the Department but we have the figures for the first two years of operation. In that period 429 prosecutions for various offences under the Act were taken by the local authorities. The question of improvement of enforcement will be taken up again with the local authorities in the near future. Another circular on the subject is being prepared. Other action has to be taken as well.
Could the Minister give the figure for prosecutions?
Yes — 429.
Many cases are not proceeded with.
Would the Minister accept that one of the major reasons for illegal dumping is the lack of a comprehensive service for the collection of refuse in most counties because the local authorities do not have adequate funding? Would he consider in 1986 a realistic allocation to the local authorities to ensure that they could provide a proper refuse collection service? This is the basic cause of most of the problem.
I would not accept that at all. Unfortunately this is a historical problem. It has not arisen today or yesterday or because of the lack of dumping facilities or expanded scavenging services.
The Minister says it is a historic problem. Certainly we have not been as careful about litter as we should have been. In my own county there are 80 illegal dumps where people are dumping refuse. This is something new, not historical. Would the Minister consider an allocation to the local authorities to enable them to deal with this problem?
That is repetition.
I have given the local authorities the ability to finance this area of their activity.