Vol. 420 No. 5
10 Mr. Kemmy asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he has had discussions with the Minister for the Environment regarding the minimum requirements for animal by-product processing to eliminate air pollution in areas throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
(Wexford): Implementation of the Air Pollution Act, 1987, is the responsibility of the local authorities in the first instance and I have no function in the matter. It a matter for the Minister for the Environment.
The question was whether the Minister had any discussions with his colleague. This is an environmental requirement but it is also an important factor in the agricultural industry. We must have a by-product processing industry to ensure that agriculture in all its facets is viable. There are constituencies, including mine, where by-product factories are engaged in processing but also impinging on the responsibilities of the Minister for the Environment. Did the Minister of State have any discussions with the Minister for the Environment? The Minister has not answered.
I have no control over Minister's replies.
I am trying to elicit an answer.
(Wexford): I have had discussions with the Minister for the Environment and I will communicate with Deputy Kemmy to the effect that he should put down a question to the Minister for the Environment.
Would the Minister's Department grant-aid a pig enterprise which might cause a lot of air pollution because of the spreading of slurry in built up or tourist areas?
These are specific queries worthy of separate questions.
It is a problem.
(Wexford): A new industry setting up in any county is subject to local planning regulations.
Would the Department grant-aid such an industry?
(Wexford): If it complied with all the regulations.
The Minister's first reply was that this matter is the responsibility of another Minister. He now admits that he had consultations. What are the results?
(Wexford): It is for the Minister for the Environment to deal with the matter.
The Minister should come to Cahir and he will know what the smell is like.
