Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 123: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress to date in the allocation of blue flags for beaches here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22560/06]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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For 2006, Ireland has been awarded 81 Blue Flags for bathing areas and 3 for marinas. This total of 84 Blue Flags represents an increase of 2 over last year, and is the highest number of Blue Flags ever awarded for Ireland.

The Blue Flag scheme is an initiative of the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), an international non-governmental organisation, and is administered by environmental non-governmental organisations in each of the participating countries. In Ireland the scheme is administered by An Taisce, with financial support from my Department. The criteria for the award of Blue Flags are determined by FEE and relate to water quality, facilities for visitors and beach management e.g. litter control, environmental information and display facilities.