Take steps to battle pollution

After the numerous scandals involving the banking and corporate sectors it is utterly outrageous the Office of Director of Corporate Enforcement is not properly resourced.

A few months ago the Taoiseach pointed out those who defraud the social welfare system “cheat us all” but his Government appear less concerned about the billions being siphoned off by white-collar criminals.

It is believed there are dozens of inspectors whose task it is to investigate fraudulent social welfare claims yet the ODCE cannot find enough gardai to meet its requirements.

Over the years the public have watched as those in powerful positions have appeared untouchable and that will remain the case when the watchdog charged with investigating any possible wrongdoing is short staffed.

Brendan Howlin’s shock at these disclosures will be shared by the citizens who end up paying for the corruption which is endemic in this State.

The Labour leader is also correct when he says there is an urgent need for a body similar to the Securities and Exchange Commission whose very mention strikes fear into the corporate crooks in the US. THE public will be shocked to learn that there are up to 1,500 deaths in this country annually due to air pollution.

The disclosure comes on the same day the Citizen’s Assembly called for the price of petrol, diesel and fossil fuels to be increased.

While everything possible must be done to prevent pollution, a price rise is not the answer.

The Government must make it a priority to reduce the State’s dependency on fossil fuels and come up with alternative sources of energy.

It should be remembered if all cars were electric they would create massive pollution as almost all power stations run on fossil fuels.