I am calling Question No. 7.

A Cheann Comhairle——

I hesitate to prevent Deputies from intervening but they will appreciate that I have allowed a lot of latitude on this question.

It is a very important question.

All the questions on the Order Paper are important and there are Deputies here awaiting answers to their questions.

The Minister does not seem to be aware of the problem.

I have been indicating my intention to intervene for some time.

I am sorry, I did not see the Deputy offering.

Would the Minister agree that it is important that the maximum amount of money from the revised Western Package be devoted to pollution control measures, given that it is the greatest problem facing us at present? Furthermore, would he agree that, following the survey carried out, his Department might afford priority to the provision of underground storage tanks and so on?

I agree entirely with what Deputy J. Leonard has said. To demonstrate the measure of importance I attach to it, I should say that the amount of money involved on this aspect of the Western Package, taking 1987 and 1988 together, is 2.8 million ECUs. I have provided in 1989 for 15 million ECUs and in 1990 for 17.4 million ECUs. Those increased figures alone give the lie to what Deputy Carey is suggesting. I do not mind argument, but when argument flies in the face of fact it is unreal. Never has there been such an increase.

There will be nothing implemented in 1988; it is too late.

Had the Deputy shown the same interest over the last five years he is now showing it might have begun long ago.