Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 401: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will respond to a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24615/09]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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I am aware that there is some public concern about the scale and nature of postering that arises around the time of elections/referenda. On foot of this, I held a public consultation in autumn 2008 regarding the control of postering for elections and referenda. There were 117 submissions made, containing a variety of recommendations, including measures to restrict the proliferation of posters.

A number of local authorities pilot - tested voluntary measures in the recent local and European elections to assess the practical issues around introducing such restrictions. My Department is currently collating feedback from these authorities to evaluate the impact of the voluntary measures on the proliferation of posters and litter arising during those election campaigns. This will inform any future policy development in this area.

The Litter Pollution Acts already contain a requirement for posters to display name and address details of the person on whose behalf the posters are erected. It is an offence under litter legislation not to do so.

I am satisfied that measures in the Electoral Amendment (No. 2) Act 2009, which set a maximum time limit of 30 days prior to polling day during which posters may be erected, are sufficient to standardise the time period involved. This legislation ensured a level playing field for all candidates and assisted the local authorities in their litter management activities.