Wexford): I propose to take Questions Nos. 7 and 14 together.
The Meteorological Service has now commenced monitoring of levels of ultra-violet radiation at Valentia Island. It is intended to extend this monitoring to the Dublin area shortly. While some previous monitoring of ultra-violet radiation has been carried out in Ireland, the Meteorological Service monitoring will provide the first systematic data on the national impact of ozone layer depletion.
Monitoring of the ozone layer itself has been carried out mainly through major international research projects, including a recent EC programme. My Department is considering with the Meteorological Service the possibility of contributing to this EC programme by establishing a specific Irish programme for the monitoring of the ozone layer in co-operation with interested third level institutions. Monitoring information on ozone layer depletion will be made available to the public.