Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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Question 306: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if steps are to be taken to provide for public participation in decisions on applications for dredging licences under the Dumping at Sea Acts; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13112/08]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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Under the Dumping at Sea Act 1996 (as amended) provision is already made for public participation in the decision making process covering Dumping at Sea applications.

The current public consultation process in relation to applications for Dumping at Sea permits requires that notices are published in local and national newspapers informing the public that an application has been made for a Dumping at Sea Permit, and that the application is available in a publicly accessible place close to the proposed dredging activity (e.g. Garda station, library, Port office). The period in which the public may submit comments on the application ranges from 21 days to one month depending on the nature and duration of the dredging activity to be undertaken.

The Government decided on 2 October 2007 that responsibility for the granting of permits under the Dumping at Sea Act 1996 (as amended) would transfer to the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.My Department is currently putting in place the necessary arrangements to ensure the efficient and effective transfer of the appropriate legislation and associated functions.