Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 27 Jun 2000

Vol. 522 No. 2

Written Answers. - Environmental Policy.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

199 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Finance the communication his Department has had with the office of EU Commissioner, Margot Wallstrom, or any other EU commissioner, regarding the objections to aspects of the national development plan on the grounds that it fails to realistically protect the environment for future generations by adhering to the principles of sustainability. [18449/00]

Minister for Finance (Mr. McCreevy)

On 2 December 1999 the European Commission formally confirmed the national development plan complied with all the relevant provisions of the Structural Funds regulations. They indicated that they would proceed to appraise the plan with the aim of approving a community support framework for Ireland on the EU cofinanced elements of the plan.

On 31 January 2000 the Commission forwarded a negotiating mandate which formed the basis of the negotiations on the CSF. The negotiating mandate sought clarification of environmental issues in relation to theex ante assessment of the plan's impact, indicators and project selection. It also sought a firm commitment that Ireland would comply with the requirements of Natura 2000. In the negotiations which followed in February and March there were exchanges of papers and of an oral nature in relation to this and the other non-environmental issues. Negotiations on the issue of environmental sustainability culminated in the Commission proposing a standard text on compliance with Natura 2000 for all member states' CSFs. The standard text was to include a deadline for compliance which would be specific to each member state. This standard text was accepted by Ireland with a compliance deadline of six months from the date of the Commission's decision on Ireland's CSF.

Negotiations on the CSF have been concluded. We understand from the Commission that the agreement in principle of the Commission to the CSF will be forthcoming on 26 June and that they will formally approve the CSF in early July upon conclusion of the consultation process with the various standing committees provided for under the Structural Funds regulations.