Deirdre Clune
Ceist:5 Ms Clune asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he has satisfied himself with the implementation of the Litter Act, 1997; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5259/01]
Ceisteanna–Questions. Priority Questions. - Litter Pollution.
I am satisfied that local authorities have significantly stepped up anti-litter action since 1997. For example, in the period January 1997 to June 2000 the number of litter wardens more than trebled, prosecutions increased more than sevenfold and on-the-spot fines increased from less than 1,000 to over 15,000. Full statistical details on local authority litter performance are in the Oireachtas Library.
Despite these and other improvements, much remains to be done. Reflecting this fact, last week the Minister and I published a litter action plan. This is a comprehensive national strategy to tackle litter, responding to the report of the National Anti-Litter Forum which we also published. Copies of the plan and report have been circulated to Deputies and are available in the Oireachtas Library.
One of the key measures in the plan is to provide for further intensification of local authority anti-litter action. We are asking local elected members to play a full part in this process. We wish to see improved enforcement, particularly from those local authorities whose performances are lagging behind. We also wish to see local authorities learning from each other and achieving best practice, including in the important area of education and awareness.
Guidance on litter management plans, a new website and greater use of indicators of local authority performance will all help to achieve this aim. There will also be initiatives to provide more training and flexibility in the litter warden service and local authorities will be encouraged to engage more widely in local anti-litter partnerships.
The Minister of State said he is satisfied with the implementation of the Litter Act. It is obvious, however, when one looks around the country that it is not being enforced. If it was enforced in its entirety, we would not have such a litter problem. I am aware of the Government's recent announcement and have a copy of the report published by the forum. It recommended that fines should be increased, but there is no reference in public statements to how it will be enforced. How does the Minister of State intend to enforce its recommendations? How many local authorities have a full-time litter warden?
I acknowledge the progress made and pay tribute to the many local authorities which are proactive in terms of the litter problem. There is no doubt that much work must be done. Some local authorities are not as active as I would like. The Deputy and I have been working at local level to create awareness and involve local authorities in a more positive way. This problem is not easy to resolve. We want a multi-sectoral approach to it. The litter action plan, announced last week, will give greater powers to local authorities. As there have been complaints about the fine of £1,500 for a summary offence, we intend to increase it to £100,000. Members know of people who indiscriminately dump litter. It is to their advantage to dump it and pay the £1,500 fine. That is unacceptable.
I pay tribute to the many local authorities which are active in this area. The Minister and I have travelled the country and it is great to go to a place where the local authorities, communities and schools are taking a proactive approach to the litter problem. We do not have a magic wand. We must realise that this problem is everyone's responsibility. Local authorities are charged with enforcement. Too often the finger is pointed at the Minister, but we are giving power to the local authorities. I appeal to local authority members to get on with the job and ensure their litter management plans are enforced in local areas.
Do all local authorities employ litter wardens? The Minister of State said that enforcement is the key to the problem. We can have all the legislation in the world, but if the resources are not provided to enforce it, the problem will not be solved.
The number of wardens has increased threefold. There are now 312 litter wardens throughout the country. I accept that not all local authorities have litter wardens, particularly in some urban areas, but we are pursuing the matter. The larger local authorities have litter wardens. We have received the information as a result of the study undertaken.
How many local authorities do not have a litter warden?
I do not have the figures with me, but I will obtain them for the Deputy.
Providing the resources to employ litter wardens is the key to implementing the legislation.
I will convey the information to the Deputy.
That completes priority questions. We now proceed to other questions. I remind Members about the strict time limits. Supplementary questions and answers are limited to one minute. Six minutes are allowed for each question.