Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 October 2004
208 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will consider banning leaflets which purport to offer services or represent charities which are not accompanied by a permanent address and a telephone land line; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25857/04]
View answerMy responsibility in this area relates to the potential littering problem that careless distribution of leaflets may cause.
Anti-littering legislation is enshrined in the Litter Pollution Act 1997 and in the Protection of the Environment Act 2003. The definition of litter is quite wide and extends beyond casual pieces of paper or cigarette ends to anything large or small which is, or is likely to become, unsightly. Local authorities are responsible for implementing the litter laws in their areas. In effect, this means they have responsibilities in regard to preventing and controlling litter, and they can take action against persons who break or ignore these laws. The Garda also has the power to issue on-the-spot fines for litter offences.
Leaving or throwing litter in a public place, or in any place that is visible from a public place, is an offence. This includes the creation of litter in the carrying on of a business, trade or activity or in the loading, transporting or handling of items.
The placing of advertising leaflets on car windscreens is prohibited, and if a person proposes to distribute advertising leaflets in the street, that person should first check with the local authority to determine if they have introduced any local litter restrictions.
There are no plans at present to require that leaflets are accompanied by, or indicate thereon, a permanent address and a land telephone line.
