In view of the fact that the Minister's relative satisfaction about these issues seems to be based on surveys carried out outside the aegis of his Department, does he consider that the capacity of his Department to cope with the pollution threat and to monitor it is adequate in view of the inter-departmental report?

That is a separate question. These are local questions related to Dublin Bay and its environs.

Does the Minister consider that his Department's capacity to determine pollution standards in Dublin Bay is adequate in view of the inter-departmental report on pollution generally published by his and other Departments just over a year ago in which it was clearly spelled out that the present capacity of the Departments to handle such questions was inadequate?

We are monitoring the position in consultation with the local authorities.

The inter-departmental report said that the Departments capacity to monitor such standards was inadequate.

I would not agree.

Does the Minister accept the factual statement that this report issued in October 1977 expressed grave dissatisfaction with the present capacity of the Minister's Department to handle such monitoring?

I have called Question No. 8.

(Cavan-Monaghan): I want to ask a supplementary.

We are handling the situation adequately at the moment.

Then the Minister does not accept that report?

(Cavan-Monaghan): Is the Minister of State satisfied that his Department have adequate personnel to deal with the matters raised in these questions?

The Deputy could put down a separate question.

(Cavan-Monaghan): No, it is a direct——

He could ask questions all day.

(Cavan-Monaghan): I asked if the Department had adequate personnel to deal with the matter raised in these questions.

I am not aware that there is a shortage of staff to deal with this directive.

(Cavan-Monaghan): Has the staff been increased since the Department was rechristened?

No, not that I am aware of.

(Cavan-Monaghan): Is the whole thing not a sham when the Department do not have the extra personnel——

The Deputy is entering into an argument. Question No. 8.