asked the Minister for the Environment if he will indicate the system operated by his Department to monitor the operations of firms involved in the transport of toxic waste.

The statutory powers governing the storage, movement and disposal of toxic waste are vested in local authorities under the European Communities (Toxic and Dangerous Waste) Regulations, 1982. These regulations provide for a consignment note system which enables local authorities to monitor the movement of wastes from source to ultimate disposal. They do not, however, provide for licensing or control of hauliers of toxic and dangerous wastes and my Department is engaged in discussions with other interested Departments about these aspects.

I would remind the Minister I asked this question last March and the Minister suggested that I table a question in regard to it, which I did. This question is in relation to safety in the transport of such materials. I would ask the Minister if he could give any indication of the urgency of the timescale involved in the discussions or negotiations in the Department in regard to the transport of such wastes because of the danger involved and the lack of any control over the type of vehicle used and with very little knowledge in any case on the part of local authorities as to what means are being used for transporting such dangerous substances. Could the Minister give any idea of what timescale he has for control in regard to licensing or monitoring these wastes?

I share the Deputy's concern and it is part and parcel of the complexity of this whole area. I would say they are talking in terms of months to get the matter resolved and this question has raised another issue in relation to the whole matter of toxic wastes.

4.