asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries whether the climatic effects of general air pollution are being investigated; and, if so, if he will state its effect in relation to agriculture.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Air Pollution.
1.
I cannot comment on the first part of the question but the effects of air pollution in relation to agriculture are minimal generally. Specific instances of injurious effects to crops or animals resulting from such pollution occasionally come to the notice of my Department and are duly investigated.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware of statements made recently by Dr. C. J. Woods of University College, Galway, in which he gave it as his considered view— and he is qualified to speak on these matters—that there were some climatic changes taking place because of pollution, mainly on the European mainland, which were affecting the climate in the islands of England and Ireland and about which he has expressed some concern? As a matter of fact, the other three questions I have down arise out of statements he has been making. I want to bring these to the notice of the Minister and get his opinion on them. That is the purpose of my four questions. The Parliamentary Secretary does not seem to accept that there are such changes taking place. If he is fully satisfied that there is no need for further investigation, fair enough.
My reply relates to agricultural matters. Possibly the climatic effects of air pollution are of greater concern to other Departments and we would bring them to the notice of those Departments. But, so far as agriculture is concerned, it is minimal. That is the information we have. We shall mention it to other Departments but my reply is confined to our Department.