Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Obviously, the Minister has a lot on his plate and is probably not up to speed on the wider debate on this issue which I raised in the House in June. It has also been raised by Deputy James Browne and others. The reality is that there is apartheid in terms of air quality in this country because the smoky coal ban has not been extended nationwide, in spite of the promises of former Ministers, including Phil Hogan and Deputies Kelly and Naughten. The EPA's report indicates that there have been approximately 12 breaches of environmental safety limits since last Christmas and that asthma sufferers in Enniscorthy, New Ross and Gorey, for example, have been warned to stay indoors at these times. There is apartheid. In places where the ban is not in effect air quality is far poorer and it damages people's health. The situation is not equal across the country in that regard.

However, the promises were made and announced, on foot of which some manufacturers invested in facilities and processes to produce smokeless coal. They have been left high and dry as a result. The Minister was warned that certain coal importers were threatening to take legal action. I am surprised that he was not aware of it. The smokeless fuel regulations were brought forward in Dublin city and county in 1990. The figure is now up to 80%. However, despite all of the promises in the past eight years, the ban has not been extended. That cuts to the core point. It is easy to announce and promise things, but it is something altogether different to deliver them on the ground and make them a reality.

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