Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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Question 143: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views in relation to the Irish Business Against Litter initiative on litter; if he intends to take action; if so, the form same will take; if he has corresponded with local authorities in relation to the survey specifically and litter generally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22442/06]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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IBAL is one of a number of anti-litter initiatives supported by my Department aimed at raising public awareness of litter pollution and energising support for local authority anti-litter actions. This specific initiative has been supported since 2003.

The National Litter Pollution Monitoring System, which measures the extent and severity of litter pollution nationally, shows that since 2003 there has been an improvement in litter pollution levels countrywide. The positive trend shown by the Monitoring System is also reflected in the IBAL League results, which record that cleanliness levels in the 53 participating towns and cities are generally improving.

My Department liaises on a regular basis with local authorities in relation to anti-litter initiatives and anti-litter actions, the benefits of which can be seen in these improved results. There is of course room for further improvement and the various approaches are kept under continual review.