asked the Minister for the Environment if he is aware of the serious health and environmental hazard created by the non-collection of refuse and the indiscriminate dumping of refuse throughout the country at the present time; the steps he proposes to take to alleviate this position; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Waste Disposal.
23.
The statutory powers and duties in respect of the collection and disposal of refuse rest with the local sanitary authorities. It is a matter for each sanitary authority to decide on the provision to be made for such collection and disposal in their area. I have requested sanitary authorities to prepare draft waste disposal plans with a view to ensuring that waste disposal is carried out without threat to public health or to the environment and that adequate facilities are provided for the accommodation of the various categories of existing and prospective wastes. An outline waste disposal plan has been circulated to sanitary authorities for guidance purposes. I am aware that in some sanitary authority areas the refuse collection services have been interrupted recently consequent on an industrial dispute.
As regards indiscriminate dumping, sanitary authorities have powers to deal with this matter under existing sanitary, planning and water pollution legislation. The importance of exercising their powers has been stressed to sanitary authorities on several occasions in recent years. A review of existing statutory provisions governing waste collection and disposal undertaken by my Department includes consideration of the adequacy of the existing powers of sanitary authorities relating to the control of dumping.
Is the fact that it was necessary on a number of occasions to stress these powers to local authorities to indicate that these powers are not being used or are not strong enough?
No. The main reason is to give guidelines to local authorities.
That is not what the Minister stated in his reply.
The remaining questions will appear on the Order Paper for Tuesday next, 5 December 1978.
On a point of order, I wish to give notice that I intend to raise on the adjournment matters arising from Question No. 21 on today's Order Paper.
I will communicate with the Deputy.