I also wish to observe the Ceann Comhairle's ruling. I will, therefore, deal with a matter which may involve recognition of court proceedings but it is a separate matter from that raised by Deputies Kenny and Rabbitte.

A columnist in The Irish Times today described the lack of compliance with planning law in Ireland as a sick joke. This observation follows last Monday’s “Prime Time” programme, comments by the Ombudsman today about the reluctance of local authorities to pursue infringements of planning law — I cite, in particular, illegal dumping — the lack of action when I brought to the House’s attention allegations of a bribe of €50,000 being made in respect of a proposal for a dump in east Galway and the lack of action in respect of the illegal shipping of waste by local authorities to the Far East via Belgium. An article in The Sunday Business Post recently referred to the fact that a waste company will, in Wicklow Circuit Court this summer, face charges of allegedly dumping without a licence in ways which caused damage to the environment. This company was partly responsible for allegedly creating the largest illegal dump to be discovered in this country to date. The article went on to state that a key defendant in the case has made a donation to Fianna Fáil for €6,000 in the form of a cheque.

If we are to be genuine in discussing standards in public office in the House, will the Taoiseach indicate whether it is Fianna Fáil policy to accept donations from generous people who are before the courts? Is it the case that it would be unthinkable to accept a donation such as that to which I refer and that Fianna Fáil should return the cheque forthwith, pending the outcome of the court case?

The Government put in place the Office of Environmental Enforcement to enhance environmental compliance through the enforcement of EPA licences and by an enhanced supervisory role in respect of local authorities. That work is legislated for and is focused heavily on the area of waste.

We provided substantial resources to both the Environmental Protection Agency and the local authorities to enforce it. The legislation, powers and enforcement are in place and the Government position is that it should be enforced without fear or favour to any individual, company or issue. I have no information on individual donations and am not answerable to the House on that. The legislation and the EPA's powers and controls should be fully implemented.