asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry if he had been consulted regarding proposals for limiting the power of regional fishery boards in the prosecution of cases for water pollution and if he will make a statement on the matter
Ceisteanna—Questions Oral Answers. - Water Pollution.
20.
As a indicated by the Minister for the Environment in reply to a question in the House on 7 November, this matter is currently under consideration. My views as well as those others interests covered will be taken into account before a final decision is made.
Does the Minister realise that the Central Fisheries Board, which is specifically charged with responsibility with regard to fish, should have a role to play in the control of water pollution, seeing that the local authorities, for the most part, have much wider responsibilities and cannot concentrate on that aspect of their duties?
Any comment I could make would be purely a personal one. I am inclined to avoid doing so at present. I appreciate that there are very serious problems in the Deputy's area in respect of water pollution in regard to who should and who should not be responsible. I would prefer to wait until a decision has been taken and discussions have been completed before commenting on the matter.
I would ask the Minister not to wait too long, that is all.