Vol. 483 No. 3
100 Mr. Finucane asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the discussions, if any, he has had with the Department of the Environment and Local Government to ensure there is no duplication or overlapping in the water pollution area. [20135/97]
I have had several discussions with the Minister for the Environment and Local Government on our respective and complementary responsibilities in relation to water quality and pollution prevention. In addition officials of both our Departments are liaising closely to ensure that from a policy and operational perspective, all of the State resources involved in water quality monitoring and pollution prevention are deployed efficiently and effectively.
I have also established the inland fisheries forum, under the aegis of the Central Fisheries Board which will bring together all the relevant agencies, including local authorities and fisheries boards, to facilitate and ensure improved co-ordination, resource deployment and data exchange on all water quality issues as they impinge on fish life and habitats.
