asked the Minister for the Environment if he proposes to introduce legislation to deal with bill-posting and graffiti; and, if not, why.

28.

asked the Minister for the Environment if he will introduce amending legislation to increase the current maximum fine of £10 for litter offences.

With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 27 and 28 together.

Bill-posting, graffiti and littering are offences under the Local Government (Planning and Development) Act, 1963. Conviction of an offence carries liability to a maximum fine of £20 in the case of bill-posting and graffiti and £10 in the case of littering. The prosecution of offences is a function of the local planning authorities.

I am at present reviewing legislation in this area and intend to bring forward proposals for strengthening it, in certain respects, in the near future.

Will the Minister be forthcoming with regard to how he expects the law to be improved in this respect? Would the Minister also be forthcoming as to whether or not both the fines and the monitoring procedures will be strengthened and increased?

This legislation will be before the House before the end of this session and all the Deputy's questions will be answered at that time.

Does the Minister agree that, due to this problem the state of our city areas particularly, is extremely unsightly and that the culprits are obviously widely known, having regard to the nature of the practice they are indulging in, and that there is no excuse for facilitating this type of littering? I appeal to the Minister to incorporate in the legislation measures to ensure that this ceases and that the law is effective and that it is not treated as a joke.

There will be legislation during this session.

Can the Minister say when the last prosecution and fine was brought by any local authority in relation to bill-posting or littering?

I have not got that information. The prosecution of offences is strictly a function of the local planning authority.