asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will explain the functions of the European Environmental Bureau; and if they are concerned with or involved in any environmental studies in this country.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - European Environment Bureau.
36.
(Cavan): The European Environmental Bureau is a voluntary organisation set up in December, 1974, by environmental associations in the member states of the Community. An Taisce is a member association. The bureau, which is based in Brussels, has the broad aim of protecting and improving the human and natural environments in the member states. The bureau has indicated that its primary activity is the study of Community environmental policy. It will also function as a link between its constituent national associations and the Community institutions in environmental matters and it will establish contact with the Commission in this regard. The Commission will partly finance the bureau's activities. It is not intended that the bureau itself should engage in environmental research.
The bureau is not itself concerned with or involved in any environmental studies in this country.
Do I understand from the Minister that only An Taisce will be represented on this bureau from this country?
(Cavan): To date An Taisce are a member. I understand that membership of the bureau is open to environmental associations which have worked on environmental problems involving international co-operation. There is no objection to Government or industry financed associations seeking membership provided their work demonstrates that they are uninfluenced in such work. It would appear to me that membership is not closed.
It is just a matter of other associations making application?
(Cavan): I would not like to give the impression that it is only a matter of form. They can apply and I do not think membership is closed.
On the assumption that they will make recommendations regarding environmental policy and programmes, can the Minister say how the Government propose to give effect to those recommendations since they have no environmental policy and no Minister responsible for the environment?
(Cavan): As the Deputy knows, an interdepartmental committee is sitting on that very point and on the environment in general. There are two points of view. Some people believe there should be a separate Minister for the environment, and others think that is not necessary or desirable. That is the view of the Government at the moment.
Do we take it that the Government do not intend to follow the almost consistent line of other countries where they have a separate Minister responsible for the environment?
(Cavan): That is a separate question.
If these studies are to mean anything somebody will have to give effect to them.
(Cavan): The Deputy may take it that they will be given effect to by this Government.
There is no sign of it yet.