asked the Minister for Local Government when he proposes to introduce legislation to control water pollution.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Water Pollution.
101.
The Report on Water Pollution, prepared by the interDepartmental Working Group on Air and Water Pollution, contains recommendations for legislation relating to water pollution. When comments on the recommendations in the report are received from the various interests concerned I intend to bring forward such proposals for legislation as may be necessary to deal with the situation.
In view of the experience of other countries and the serious situation here at the moment, can the Minister indicate when he proposes to introduce this legislation?
As soon as I possibly can. I can assure the Deputy I am aware of the very serious position which has been allowed to continue during the years. Now everyone realises how serious is the position. I hope it will be possible to introduce legislation if not before the end of this session then early in the next session.
Would the Minister agree to consider the methods of animal manure disposal in the Netherlands which country probably has the greatest problem in this regard?
I can assure the Deputy that all methods which might possibly remedy our situation, which is so bad, are being studied at the moment.