A press release by the European Commission on 11 January 2000, inter alia, indicated its intention to initiate proceedings concerning drinking water quality problems associated with private group water schemes and the adequacy of national regulations, having regard to the requirements of Directive 80/778/EEC. Formal notification of proceedings has not been received in my Department. I refer to the reply to Question No. 28 on today's Order Paper which outlines the extensive programme under way, and substantial funding in place, to resolve quality problems in rural water supplies.
The Commission initiated court proceedings in respect of the incomplete transposition of Article 7 of Directive 87/217/EEC on the prevention and reduction of environmental pollution by asbestos on 27 January 2000. This is now the responsibility of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
Proceedings have been initiated before the European Court of Justice in respect of the failure to implement Directive 75/442/EEC, as amended, on waste, Directive 91/689/EEC on hazardous waste, and Directive 94/62/EC on packaging waste, with regard to the making of waste management plans. Ireland was originally given until 13 January 2000 to lodge a defence. The Attorney General's office, with the support of the Commission, formally requested an extension of time which would allow the now advanced waste management planning process to be fully completed. An extension to 24 March 2000 has been granted by the court.
Proceedings have been initiated before the European Court of Justice in respect of failure to implement Directive 97/68/EC concerning emissions of pollutants from engines in non-road mobile machinery. My colleague, the Minister of State, Deputy Wallace, made the European Communities (Control of Emissions of Gaseous and Particulate Pollutants from Non-Road Mobile Machinery) Regulations, 1999 (S.I. No. 396 of 1999) on 14 December 1999. These fully transpose the directive into Irish law and I expect they will enable the court proceedings to be concluded without further action.
Proceedings at an earlier stage, by way of reasoned opinion under Article 226 of the Treaty on European Union, have been notified to Ireland by the Commission in relation to specific issues arising under Directive 76/464/EEC on the protection of water against pollution by dangerous substances, Directive 75/442/EC, and amendments, on compliance with waste legislation and Directive 91/692/EEC on the submission of reports on the implementation of water directives. A reply has issued in each case and the Commission response is awaited.
