Paul Connaughton Snr (Galway East, Fine Gael)

On a more serious note, I can never understand the level of noise at a disco. I am far past the disco stage but I note the outrageous decibel level at weddings. This cannot be good for young people's eardrums. The Army deafness controversy would pale into insignificance compared to the damage being done to young people's ears. It seems nothing can be done about this. Planning regulations stipulate a control on the decibel levels, but in my experience of the few discos I have witnessed in recent years, the levels seem to be louder. It could be argued that my hearing is going down but I do not think so. There could be a significant health danger associated with these levels. I also note people using MP3 players as they cycle, dance and mess around. I understand that due to the volume of the earpieces they would not hear an airplane passing, never mind a car. These are all noise problems that need to be tackled. It could be argued that an individual should be allowed do what he or she likes.

Noises can be appropriate to their locations. What would be a real problem in one part of the country or in one set of circumstances, might not be so bad in another. Those of us living in rural areas often welcome people who come to live in our area. It is noted that such people can become very upset and hot under the collar if they hear cows lowing at night on the occasion when calves are being weaned and they are in for a chorus for two or three nights. I agree this is not pleasant, but try telling the calves to stop. If one is in a rural area, one must accept rural ways.

There is also the issue of control. A barking dog would appear to be a small matter to me, but it can be a serious matter to affected householders. As Deputy McCormack said, it is a pity that something like this would have to be brought to the District Court. The Minister of State described going to the District Court as a simple route. It is not all that simple because many people do not like going to court if they can help it. I would be surprised if there was not a simpler solution. Most sittings of the District Court are jammed with cases involving anti-social behaviour.

The encroachment of noise levels into the private life of the citizen has become a serious issue. Let us consider the question of noise levels on construction sites. In fairness to the current and previous Governments, efforts have been made to make such sites more pleasant and safe to work in, and that extends to noise levels. However, the earplugs workers might use are not sufficient to drown out construction site noise.

I do not know how soon this Bill will be discussed again. It is an important aspect of living. I hope the Government will take this issue seriously. Whatever we come up with, whether that is everything that Deputy Cuffe has suggested or parts thereof, tonight's business has not been in vain. I look forward to this issue returning to the House.

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