asked the Minister for the Environment the plans, if any, he has in relation to overall improvement of the environment; the plans he has to encourage and support local authorities in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions Oral Answers. - Improvement of Environment.
10.
The Government's plans for the overall improvement of the environment and the plans to encourage and support local authorities in this regard are generally set out in the Programme for Government, 1989-1993 and the National Development Plan, 1989-1993, which was submitted to the Commission of the European Communities in the context of the EC Structural Funds. Many of my Department's programmes and most local authorities' activities are either directly or indirectly related to the improvement of environmental conditions. It would not be feasible to go into all of these in this reply but I will refer briefly to some of the more recent developments.
As already indicated by the Minister of State, Deputy Harney, an office for the protection and improvement of the environment under a separate Minister of State has been established. Legislation to set up an independent Environmental Protection Agency is currently being prepared and I expect the agency to be in operation next year. Details of the proposals for the agency were published on 5 December but one of its functions will be to provide support, back up and advice to local authorities on environmental matters.
An integrated programme of measures to combat water pollution was adopted by the Government in 1987 and included the carrying out of farm surveys, a review of licences to discharge trade effluents, an awareness and education programme, a review of controls on agricultural development under the planning Acts and the amendment of the Water Pollution Act, 1977, to strengthen the powers available and to provide for civil liability for pollution damages and remedial measures at the polluters' expense. The Bill has already passed all stages in the Seanad and is at present being debated in Dáil Éireann.
The substantial programme of investment in sanitary and other local services will be continued in order to achieve and maintain proper quality standards for water supplies, to prevent pollution, to ensure that services necessary for industry, agriculture and other developments are available, and to assist in the protection of water resources for amenity and recreational uses.
In relation to waste, it is proposed to continue the scheme of financial assistance for waste recycling projects including paper, glass, cans and plastics in 1990. Special emphasis is being placed on eliminating farmyard pollution and solving the related problems of basic animal housing and fodder storage.
The Air Pollution Act, 1987, has provided the powers to tackle air pollution problems and there has been a significant increase of activity by local authorities on this matter.
Local authorities will continue to be encouraged and supported by providing the necessary legislative framework for their environmental activities and by advice, guidelines or directives as appropriate. I would refer the Deputy to the reply to Parliamentary Question No. 199 of 14 November 1989 in relation to the additional resources being made available to local authorities for environmental protection.
It will be the last time we will ask a question like that.
Was not the Deputy who asked it very foolish?
The Minister is entitled to a free run every so often.
I now call Question No. 11.