asked the Minister for the Environment if it is his intention that local authorities will be given the sole responsibility for water pollution control in their areas.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Water Pollution Control.
12.
The statement which I issued in May 1985, on the reform of local government includes a proposal that local authorities will be given sole responsibility for water pollution control in their areas. This was seen as one of a series of measures aimed at strengthening the role of the local government system and extending its mandate. All aspects of the proposal will be considered and the views of all interests concerned will be taken into account before final decisions are made regarding its implementation.
A special devolution implementation group, under the chairmanship of the Minister for the Public Service, has been established by the Government to monitor and promote the devolution programme generally.
The proposal to assign additional responsibilities in relation to water pollution control to the local authorities is consistent with section 34 of the Water Pollution Act, 1977, which provides for the repeal of the earlier statutory provisions under which regional fisheries boards may initiate proceedings for pollution offences.
However, the full implications of the proposal and the need for consequential provisions of different kinds will need to be considered before the matter is taken further. In the meantime, I intend to intensify my efforts to secure full and effective implementation of the 1977 Act by the local authorities in all areas.
I intend also to make the necessary resources available for continued investment by the local authorities in the provision of the treatment plants and other works needed to eliminate pollution caused by town sewerage discharges. Special attention will continue to be given to those locations highlighted in a 1983 report from the Water Pollution Advisory Council as meriting priority; improvement works have been completed or are already well advanced at many of these locations.
I am sure the Minister is aware that the Water Pollution Act, 1977 is not being implemented by local authorities because they do not have the staff or the funds to pay staff. Is he aware that the fishery boards and fishery organisations generally are seriously concerned because the Minister intends to implement section 34, giving sole authority to the local authorities for water pollution control? They are concerned because the local authorities have not been implementing the 1977 Act even though they have responsibility for water pollution control. Who will prosecute the local authorities in the event of them continuing to pollute waters after the implementation of section 34, which will repeal two sections of the Fisheries Act being administered very effectively by the fishery boards? Does he intend to increase resources to local authorities not alone to ensure that they will prevent pollution but so that they will be able to employ staff to ensure that the 1977 Act will be implemented?
I have allowed the Deputy to make an argument.
I asked the Minister was he aware, and I proceeded to ask him——
That is not an acceptable formula at Question Time.
I regret the formula, and in case the Minister missed the point, who will prosecute the local authorities if they are polluting waters? They are exempt from prosecution under the 1977 Act. Does the Minister intend to increase allocations to local authorities——
The Deputy asked that in the course of his speech.
I said in my reply that all aspects of the proposal will be considered and the views of all interests concerned will be taken into account before final decisions are made regardings its implementation. There is a prima facie case against the divided responsibility that exists now. It does not seem to be the best approach, as I hope the Deputy will agree. It would seem reasonable when we have put forward devolution proposals, and the Opposition have put forward such proposals——
This is yours.
There is a prima facie case for bringing together the divided responsibility.
Will the Minister meet with representatives of the regional and central fishery boards who are deeply concerned by this decision? Will there be new legislation, as the Taoiseach said this morning?
There will have to be new legislation to deal with this proposal. If I get a request from the fishery organisations I will consider that request. I have no regrets about this. Water pollution control should be implemented by one authority and I stand by that principle.
Deputies from this side of the House, and I am sure from the other side, have been inundated with representations from angling associations who are not clear about the implications of this proposal.
This may be too big a matter for Question Time.
Will the Minister meet representatives of the Connacht Angling Association?