Noel Dempsey
Question:384 Mr. Dempsey asked the Minister for the Environment the number of new full-time litter wardens employed since the launch of the Talking Rubbish campaign; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16127/96]
Written Answers. - Action Against Litter Campaign.
Noel Dempsey
Question:385 Mr. Dempsey asked the Minister for the Environment the number of new part-time litter wardens employed since the launch of the action against litter campaign; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16128/96]
Noel Dempsey
Question:386 Mr. Dempsey asked the Minister for the Environment the number of prosecutions initiated and the number of convictions secured against litter offenders since the launch of the action against litter campaign; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16129/96]
Noel Dempsey
Question:387 Mr. Dempsey asked the Minister for the Environment the achievements, if any, to date of the action against litter campaign; the cost to date of the campaign; the estimated future costs of the campaign; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16130/96]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 384, 385, 386 and 387 together.
Implementation of the action against litter initiative is proceeding in accordance with the strategy outlined in my policy statement of 12 February 1996. The following measures have or are being implemented:
—local authorities have been requested to prepare litter abatement plans for their functional areas,
—educational materials promoting anti-litter awareness have been distributed in all first and second level schools,
—the revised structure of the Tidy Towns Competition has been more closely aligned with this initiative,
—a major public awareness campaign is currently being promoted and will continue over the coming months,
—in co-operation with petrol retailing companies a special initiative will be mounted during the month of August to promote anti-litter awareness with motorists,
—the Government has already approved detailed proposals for comprehensive new legislation to deal with litter pollution; drafting of the Bill is proceeding with a view to early publication.
Expenditure on this initiative up to 30 June 1996 amounted to £210,000. The estimated total cost of this initiative in 1996 is £400,000 for which provision has been made in my Department's estimate.
Information on the number of litter wardens employed by local authorities is set out in the reply to Question No. 13 on 13 June 1996. This is the most up to date information available in my Department at this stage. Information on the numbers of prosecutions and convictions under the Litter Act, 1982 since the launching of the initiative is not yet available in my Department.