asked the Minister for the Environment if he is satisfied that the air pollution monitoring being undertaken by local authorities is adequate.

I am satisfied that the air pollution monitoring programme undertaken by local authorities is, in general, an adequate one having regard to both national and international requirements. The main air pollutants currently monitored on a regular basis are smoke and sulphur dioxide which are monitored at 33 stations in the major urban centres. Lead levels are also regularly monitored at six stations in the Dublin area. In addition, monitoring is undertaken periodically at a variety of other locations by other public authorities and by the operators of industrial and other plant and the results are made available to the local authorities. The scope of the monitoring programme is kept under continuous review in the light of changing national and international requirements.

The Minister has told us that monitoring for lead levels takes place in Dublin city. Is he aware that no such monitoring takes place in Cork, where the local authority have stated it is not their responsibility? Who should be doing the monitoring?

As the Deputy knows, there was an inter-union dispute in Cork which, I understand, has been resolved. We are hoping that Cork Corporation will now continue the appointment of staff.

The remaining questions will appear on tomorrow's Order Paper.