asked the Minister for Local Government if he will arrange to have a scientific review of the impact of air pollution by automobiles on human health.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Air Pollution.
40.
The question of a specific health effects study would be a matter for consideration by my colleague, the Minister for Health. I should mention, however, that the EEC environment programme recently adopted provides for study of particular pollutants, including air pollutants associated with vehicles, in regard to their toxicity and their health and ecological effects, with a view to devising suitable objectives and standards for their control. There will be opportunity for Departments concerned to take part in this work and the country will have the benefit of the results in due course.
In the meantime my Department are consulting with Dublin Corporation on the development of the existing air pollution monitoring system with particular reference to obtaining fuller information about the extent of lead pollution from vehicles.
Would the Minister consider influencing the fuel importers to try to get a greater supply from Russia where there is less pollution content in the fuel than there is in the fuel from the Middle East which has a pollution content of 95 per cent?
Deputy Lemass has got very fond of Russia all of a sudden. I will have to wait and see the report.