asked the Minister for the Environment if, in view of the demands on the water resources serving the Dublin area and the likelihood of difficulties in the future in meeting this demand, he will undertake a publicity campaign in the media designed to make the public better aware of the need for the conservation of this valuable and limited resource.

A decision as to whether a publicity campaign should be undertaken to emphasise the necessity to conserve water supplies in Dublin is a matter for the local authorities who are responsible for the water supply system in the Dublin area.

Arising out of the Minister's reply would the Minister not agree, since drinking water has become a scarce commodity, that his Department should undertake such a campaign?

As I stated in my rep-ly it is a matter for the responsible local authorities to take a decision in this regard. Dublin Corporation are conserving the water supply by reducing pressure, and to aid in the conservation of the water supply Dublin Corporation are considering in consultation with their advisors the advisability of a publicity campaign in the media. No decision has yet been taken. It is a matter for the corporation to decide, in consultation with other Dublin local authorities, whether to undertake a publicity campaign. Consumers should be very well aware of the serious situation in view of the widespread coverage the present serious situation has received in the media.