asked the Taoiseach if he will consider transferring responsibility for environmental control from the Department of the Environment to the Department of Fisheries and Forestry.

No change in existing arrangements in regard to environmental control is at present contemplated.

In view of the scant regard for the environment shown by the Department in the case of the pollution of Cork Harbour, would the Taoiseach have another look at this matter? It is proposed at the moment to dump about 5,000 tons of raw effluent into the most beautiful part of Cork Harbour where there are very valuable oyster beds.

A question, Deputy, please.

Because of the very blatant ignoring of our pleas by the department, I believe it should be in the hands of the Department of Fisheries and Forestry.

I was not aware of that problem, but I will discuss the matter with the Minister for the Environment.

Would the Taoiseach agree that all that has changed in that Department is its name? They are doing precisely the same work as was being done by the old Department of Local Government before the last election and there has been no change at all.

I would hope that is not so.

The Taoiseach should ask any of his backbenchers.

Ceist 5.