Vol. 454 No. 4
15 Miss Quill asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade his views on the litter problem and its effect on the image tourists have of this country; if local authorities have been consulted in the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10820/95]
77 Miss Harney asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade his views on the litter problem and its effect on the image tourists have of this country; if local authorities have been consulted on the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10814/95]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 15 and 77 together.
Among the major strengths which characterise Irish tourism is our clean physical environment. However, in Bord Fáilte's annual survey of visitors' impressions of Ireland, a significant minority comment adversely on litter. I am concerned, therefore, that litter should not be allowed to detract from our visitors' enjoyment and appreciation of our countryside, cities, towns and villages. The litter problem is in the first instance a matter for my colleague the Minister for the Environment who has already indicated that he intends to develop a sustained and effective anti-litter initiative. Local authorities which have statutory responsibility for the prevention and control of litter will occupy a pivotal role in the implementation of this initiative.
A clean environment is in all our best interests, both from a broad national and a tourism viewpoint. I am strongly supportive of the planned anti-litter initiative and I look forward to the policy statement in the matter which the Minister for the Environment will shortly publish.
