asked the Minister for the Environment in view of his proposal to bring section 34 of the 1977 Pollution Act into operation in a paper on local government reform, if he is aware that this would repeal sections 171-172 of the 1958 Fisheries Act; if he is further aware that county councils are responsible for enforcing the Local Government (Water Pollution) Act, 1977, but are exempt from prosecution under the 1977 Act; if he is aware that if the section is brought into operation it will put the county councils above the law; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Water Pollution Control.
92.
I would refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 12 on 7 November 1985 which set out the position as regards the proposal that local authorities be given sole responsibility for water pollution control in their areas. That reply indicated that before the matter is taken further, there will be a need to consider the full implications of the proposal and the need for consequential provisions of different kinds. The matters referred to by the Deputy will be taken into account in this context.