Since taking office, the Minister, Deputy Dempsey, and I have made litter eradication a priority. Reflecting this, a range of anti-litter initiatives have been taken, including doubling the on-the-spot fine to £50; allocating almost £1 million to local authorities for anti-litter initiatives in the last three years, and a similar grant scheme will operate in 2000; co-financing the An Taisce led national spring clean; approving the development of a national monitoring system to assess local authority anti-litter action, which will be fully implemented over the coming months; establishing a national anti-litter forum to promote greater involvement on the part of the business sector in anti-litter action. The forum is developing a programme of measures to extend responses to litter pollution. In addition, there is continuing strong personal support from me and the Minister at many fora, conferences and launches of local litter campaigns.
Primary responsibility for tackling litter pollution rests with local authorities. I am satisfied authorities are using the extended powers now available to them to take a more pro-active approach. Figures for the first half of 1999, the latest available, show that almost 300 litter wardens were employed, nearly 8,300 on-the-spot fines were issued, more than 850 prosecutions were taken and more than 350 convictions secured. These figures represent a significant improvement over earlier periods. Full details are in the Oireachtas Library.
I am concerned, however, that the general improvement in local authority performance should be continued and extended to cover all authorities. I will continue to convey my views in this matter directly to elected members and managers. The House can be assured we will continue to work actively with local authorities and the various sectors to realise our vision of a litter free Ireland.
