I request that legislation be introduced to strengthen powers and increase penalties to address the scourge of illegal dumping which is rampant across the country. The Covid-19 pandemic has caused many changes in our country and, unfortunately, it has significantly increased the amount of illegal taking place both in cities and rural areas. There is scope under the current waste management legislation to seize vehicles or equipment involved in illegal dumping activity and have these vehicles disposed of as the competent authority sees fit. Unfortunately, for various reasons, these laws are not being enforced. Without proper and significant penalties, this problem will get a lot worse. I ask that a special task force be set up by the Government comprising An Garda Síochána, local authorities and all relevant parties to tackle this problem with enhanced powers to deal with his serious issue.

Something wonderful is happening in Ireland right now as people start to discover their country for the first time. They are heading to the coast and our coastal communities, our beaches in Inchydoney, Long Strand, Barleycove, and the Taoiseach's beloved Broadstrand. These are great places to social distance and holiday safely but, unfortunately, a small percentage is ruining it for everybody by littering, dumping, leaving behind cans and lighting bonfires in special areas of conservation. This needs to be stamped out. Page 37 of the programme for Government refers to what we will do to tackle plastic pollution and waste. I ask that we give adequate resources to local authorities to deal with issues. There is a single litter warden, for example, for that whole geographical area I mentioned. We need to give local authorities resources so we can stamp out this scourge once and for all.

I thank Deputies Grealish and O'Sullivan for eloquently and articulately presenting a very strong case on illegal dumping. Without question, it is a scourge in our society and across the countryside. It needs to be dealt with robustly and I will take on board the suggestions both Deputies have made. I will talk to the Ministers responsible about putting together a task force and, in the case Deputy O'Sullivan mentioned, about additional resources for local authorities in dealing with the issue. Many community groups have responded on the beaches with do-it-yourself collections of plastic and other litter. Both Deputies have made a fair point.