David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 29: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, further to Parliamentary Question No. 107 of 22 April 2008, his views on introducing policy initiatives and anti-litter responses similar to the adopt-a-highway scheme in operation in other countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24926/09]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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I am aware that schemes such as those to which the Deputy refers are in operation abroad. Similar schemes are in place in certain local authority areas here. Under statute, the primary response to litter is a matter for local authorities. My Department's role is to provide the legislative framework for combating litter pollution and motivate and energise anti-litter responses, as necessary. It is the responsibility of each local authority to enforce the litter laws and determine the most appropriate course of action to tackle litter pollution within the relevant legislation.

The anti-litter awareness grant scheme operated by the local authorities and which my Department is responsible for administering, has in recent years included projects of the type referred to in the question. This year, I have allocated a total sum of €1.07 million for grant purposes and a number of adopt-a-road and adopt-a-bring bank schemes proposed by local authorities will receive financial support from my Department.

David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Does the Minister agree that if one travels any country road, one will see bags of rubbish dumped on the roadside and nappies and various other types of household rubbish strewn across hedgerows? Is he happy to preside over such conditions? Does he agree the problem is deteriorating rather than improving? What initiatives does he propose to introduce to address the problem?

Does the Minister agree that as well as its awful visual impact, fly-tipping is impacting on tourism and health? In most other European countries, the problem is not as serious as it is here. Does the Minister agree that positive initiatives are required to educate people and increase civic awareness? A sense of patriotism is needed and serious sanctions must be imposed to hurt those who are caught fly-tipping? What measures will the Minister introduce to address the problem?

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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While I agree that anecdotal evidence suggests fly-tipping has increased, I remind the Deputy of the results of a survey published recently by Irish Business Against Litter, IBAL, which does fantastic work. My Department's national litter pollution monitoring system will also publish results soon. The results of both IBAL and my Department's system point to a steady reduction in litter levels across the country. According to the IBAL report published last week, 68% of areas monitored are clean to European norms, up from 40% in 2002. Steady progress has been made and the IBAL findings are echoed in the findings of the national litter pollution monitoring report which shows that 66% of areas surveyed displayed high levels of cleanliness compared to 48% in 2002. While specific results relating solely to roadside litter are not available, figures from that area clearly feed into the national results. It is clear, therefore, that some improvement has been made, particularly in cities.

On the issue of fly-tipping, we must catch people in the act. A monitoring programme in place in my Department has been highly effective. Footage from CCTV cameras installed in the national parks, which I have seen, shows people fly-tipping. Some of the individuals in question are regular offenders and the footage shows the registration numbers of their cars as they engage in deliberate fly-tipping.

Deputy Stanton referred to civic mindedness and patriotism. The individuals in question do not have any clue about such concepts but are simply trying to get away with not paying waste charges. A number of steps must be taken. Proper registration is required across the country to identify those who are registered as paying waste charges with the local authorities. As the Deputy will be aware, a significant number of private waste disposal operators are seeking to attract customers by offering what they claim to be a better deal than that on offer from the local authorities. Unfortunately, a significant number of people slip between the cracks and may not be registered with a private operator or local authority. We need to establish who is registered for waste services as it is clear some of those who are not registered are engaged in fly-tipping on roadsides and in some of our most scenic areas, including the national parks. As I stated, the Department has an operation in place in the national parks and I hope shortly to reveal its results in order that we can secure prosecutions and make examples of these litter louts.

David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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My question referred to litter pollution on country roads. One sees bags of rubbish on roadsides in the middle of nowhere. I agree, however, that the position in the cities has improved. Does the Minister propose to establish some form of database recording which citizens or households are registered with local authorities and private operators? If so, will those who are not registered be pursued? What is meant by his statement that a register of householders registered with the local authorities and private operators is required? What action does he plan to take?

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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I have outlined what action the Department is taking on the issue of fly-tipping? Some people are not registered either with a private operator or-----

David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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What does the Minister propose to do?

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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We will ensure that people are registered. Under legislation, people will have to dispose of their rubbish or waste in an environmentally friendly manner. In other words, they will be required to register with a local authority or private operator. The only conclusion one can reach is that those who are not registered are either fly-tipping or burning their waste. The question of whether a regulator should be established in the areas of waste has been discussed and I have come to the conclusion that such a regulator is required.

David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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When will we have a regulator?

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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As soon as possible.