Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 3 Mar 1999

Vol. 501 No. 4

Written Answers. - Litter Pollution.

Pat Rabbitte

Ceist:

29 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the number of persons successfully prosecuted under the Litter Pollution Act, 1997; the action, if any, taken against any local authority for failure to fulfil its statutory obligations under the Act; the reason the Act is not being effectively implemented to date; the further action, if any, he will take to deal with the litter problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6149/99]

Deirdre Clune

Ceist:

30 Ms Clune asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the steps, if any, he has taken to ensure facilitation of the Litter Act, 1997; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6075/99]

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment and Local Government (Mr. D. Wallace)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 29 and 30 together.

The initiation of a prosecution or the issue of an on-the-spot fine is a matter for individual local authorities as prosecuting authorities. Detailed statistics concerning local authority enforcement of the litter legislation in 1997 and the first six months of 1998 are available in the Oireachtas Library. I am satisfied that local authorities are extending their use of the enhanced powers available to them under the legislation. However, I am in regular contact with the authorities to urge on them the need to further step up and sustain action to combat litter pollution.

Information on the implementation of the Litter Pollution Act, 1997, generally, and on my programme of action to support strengthened performance and promote public responsibility, in this area is contained in the replies to Questions Nos. 162 and 163 of 10 February 1999 and Question No. 151 of 3 December 1998.