asked the Minister for Local Government whether the Government have decided to co-operate with the EEC Council decision of the 18th June, 1973, to adopt a research programme for the EEC for the protection of the environment.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Environment Protection.
17.
As I indicated in the reply which I gave to a previous question from the Deputy on this matter, we are already actively involved in the EEC environmental work in various ways.
As members of the Community, we support and subscribe to the programme of central or direct action research. We are also involved in the indirect action programme under which three research projects from this country have been accepted at this stage for Community financial support. An Foras Forbartha is taking part in pollution research under the programme for European co-operation in the field of scientific and technical research and my Department and other interests concerned are involved in the work of various technical groups set up under the environment programme.
My Department are also represented through An Foras Forbartha on the advisory committee on programme management for environmental research which has an important review function in the entire environmental research area in the Community.
Can the Minister give me any indication of how I can get documentary evidence that the officers of the Government have shown any initiative in the European Community in relation to environmental protection?
In my reply I have given instances and the Deputy will be given a copy if he wants it. If he takes the matter up with me personally, I will be glad to give him any evidence he requires.
It is not available to me in the documents that have been circulated.
18.
asked the Minister for Local Government the progress that has been made within the EEC regarding a common policy on public health and the environment.
A Community programme of environmental action has been adopted, It includes a statement of policy and of the actions to be taken to reduce pollution and nuisance, to improve the environment and to participate in the work of international organisations. A procedure has also been adopted for conveying information to the Commission on national initiatives by member states which could affect the environment programme, and, in certain circumstances, for deferring such initiatives to enable common measures to be adopted.
At a council meeting of environment Ministers which I attended on 7th November, 1974, a general review of the programme was conducted. Particular matters dealt with at the meeting included proposals for directives relating to the disposal of waste oil and to the quality of surface water to be used for drinking. A recommendation on the application throughout the Community of the polluter pays principle was also adopted.
Other particular proposals are in course of preparation. Much of the ongoing work is concerned with establishing a common basis for describing and assessing the harmfulness of specific pollutants with a view to devising appropriate control measures, including health standards.
Again I ask the Minister can he give me some reference whereby I can research the initiatives? I am spokesman on behalf of this party on this matter.
I am sure the Deputy can get a copy of the documents discussed at the conference I have referred to, if that would be of any assistance to him.
I have searched the Library for documents in this field, which I am responsible for on the Opposition side, and I have found it very difficult to find any reference to initiatives taken by the Government.
We are having statements rather than questtions.
The funny thing is that I was responsible in the same way as the Deputy now is during the lifetime of the previous Government and I also found it extremely difficult to get anything at all. However, I will make this material available to the Deputy.
19.
asked the Minister for Local Government if he will press for faster action to ensure that Earth-watch (details supplied) is brought into full operation and to arrange for adequate scientific methodology and functional elements for GEMS to ensure that this body is developed to monitor pollutants in water and air.
The development of measures to give effect to the Earth-watch concept of global assessment of environmental conditions is a matter for the governing council of the United Nations environment programme. I understand that a number of aspects of the matter are under consideration by the council, who are well aware of their responsibility. We are prepared to co-operate in the exchange information envisaged under the international referral system but until more definite proposals have been formulated for the global environmental monitoring system it is not possible to see what the implications may be for this country.