asked the Minister for the Environment if he will take steps to improve the condition of Glasnevin cemetery, Dublin.

The Dublin Cemeteries Committee are the body having immediate responsibility in law for keeping Glasnevin cemetery in a suitable state of repair and condition so far as practicable. As the sanitary authority and burial board for the area, Dublin Corporation have certain powers designed to enable them to secure the proper maintenance of burial grounds. I understand that the corporation are examining this matter at present.

I do not know whether they are a statutory body or to whom they are responsible but I would be grateful if the Minister would comment on the fact that there is concern over the maintenance of the cemetery. Would the Minister be willing to take some sort of initiative? I have no doubt he would carry some weight.

I would be prepared to take it up with the bodies concerned.

The cemetery is a disgrace at the moment.