Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein)

I move amendment No. 9:

In page 4, between lines 3 and 4, to insert the following:

"3.--Section 12(1) of the Act of 1987 is amended--

(a) in paragraph (a) by substituting--

(i) "€8,000" for "£1,000" in both places where it occurs, and

(ii) "€800" for "£100",

and

(b) in paragraph (b) by substituting--

(i) "€800,000" for "£10,000", and

(ii) "€8,000" for "£1,000".

While we welcome the proposed changes to the fines, there must be a significant penalty for causing air pollution, particularly where companies are concerned. Part of the Golden Vale, the best land in the country, was polluted and an unfortunate farmer who had lost everything, perhaps even his health, spent many years seeking redress. Pollution is an important issue in the context of food production. Now that agriculture has again taken centre stage, we need strict and rigorous laws to deal with pollution. That is the reason we have tabled the amendment.

See this speech in context