asked the Minister for Health whether his Department are keeping a check on any possible danger to health arising from the sewage pollution in Dublin Bay; and, if so, if he will give the result of any investigations carried out into this matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Bay Pollution.
11.
I presume that the Deputy is concerned with the possible danger to health from swimming in sea water which may be polluted. I am informed that to guard against this the Chief Medical Officer of the Dublin Health Authority arranges for fortnightly checks during the swimming season on sea water at bathing places around Dublin. Tests carried out this year have indicated that the incidence of pollution has increased but, while this at times can result in unpleasant conditions for swimmers, I am advised that there is, as yet, no cause for alarm so far as health hazard is concerned. The matter has been under review between officers of my Department and the Chief Medical Officer mentioned and this review will continue.
Could the Minister say why the pollution has increased? Would he endeavour to find out why it has increased and take steps to deal with it?
This is a matter between the Minister for Local Government and myself. I am concerned only with the health hazard. The local authorities, in the first instance, are concerned with the increase of pollution and the Minister for Local Government has general supervision over that aspect of the matter.