asked the Taoiseach whether it is proposed to establish a new Department of the Environment which would provide a national approach for protection of the environment and which would prepare appropriate environmental legislation.
2.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Government Departments Proposals.
1.
asked the Taoiseach if his attention has been drawn to the recommendation of the Council for Social Welfare that a central authority should define maximum standards for the provision of social services throughout the State and that the central authority would comprise an amalgamation of the Departments of Health and Social Welfare; and whether such reorganisation of the Cabinet is under consideration.
3.
asked the Taoiseach if the Government have under consideration at the present time the creation of one or more new Government Departments; and if he will give details.
I propose, with your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 1, 2 and 3 together.
At the moment I do not envisage the merging of any existing Departments or the establishment of a new Department.
Would the Taoiseach agree that, as there is a necessity for the promotion of new legislation for the protection of the environment, and as that requires central control, there is, therefore, a necessity for such a development?
It would be desirable to pay special attention to it. However, whether in order to do this it would be necessary to set up a new Department I am not satisfied.