asked the Minister for Health if he or the Eastern Health Board have had any discussions with general practitioners in the Ballyfermot area, Dublin 10 in relation to the adverse health effects of smog in the area; if so, the conclusions of such discussions; if not, if he will now agree to consult the local doctors especially in the context of increases in the number or seriousness of cases arising from the smog problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Ballyfermot, Dublin, Smog.
81.
I have had no discussions with general practitioners in the Ballyfermot area in relation to the adverse health effects of smog. Dublin Corporation, the body with statutory responsibility for enforcing air pollution controls in the area, continuously monitors smoke and sulphur dioxide levels in relation to the air quality standards and associated EC limit values now in force. These are based on health criteria devised at international level and are intended to protect human health and the environment. Dublin Corporation are also advised on possible health effects by the Dublin Medical Officer of Health. On the occasion, in December last, when the smog reached serious levels in part of the city the corporation, through the media, alerted the public — which included health professionals — to the situation.
At central level my colleague, the Minister for the Environment, has responsibility for statutory controls to protect the public and the environment from the effects of air pollution.
The high smoke levels which give rise to smog are attributable to a number of causes and I have taken up the whole matter with the Minister for the Environment in the context of a committee of Ministers which has been established to facilitate discussion and resolution of issues of health promotion such as smog and its effects on public health which span a number of Government Departments and agencies.