asked the Minister for Local Government the number of officers in his Department engaged on environmental activity.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Local Authority Environmental Officers.
50.
A great deal of the work of my Department such as housing, roads, sanitary services and planning has an environmental content. There is a special Environmental Services Section which deals with air, oil and water pollution, the fire services, waste disposal and related EEC matters. This section has a total staff of 29 at present.
Is this staff considered to be adequate?
It is adequate at present.
The Minister might agree that this situation is becoming a rather emotive one for the people of Dublin. Would he consider expanding the activities of this section?
There have been proposals to increase the number of staff but the matter is at a very early stage. Of course it will have to be expanded if we are to carry out the work properly. I have given the Deputy the information he asked for.
Am I correct in saying that the Department have made certain contributions in relation to possible new legislation in this field?
New legislation is being prepared.