asked the Minister for the Environment, given the emphasis of the European Commission on environment policy, if the Government have under consideration any new initiatives in this area.
Written Answers. - European Communities Environment Policy.
576.
The European Communities environment action programmes lay down the objectives and principles of Community environment policy and specific measures in relation to matters such as air and water pollution and waste have been adopted by the Council within this framework. The relevant directives, etc., have been given effect in Ireland by legislation, regulations or administrative action, as appropriate.
Action at Community level in the recent past has focussed attention on the air pollution problem. I have already announced my intention to introduce a comprehensive Bill on air pollution. The Bill will allow for the full implementation in Ireland of all EC air pollution directives and will contain measures for dealing with local air pollution problems. Other legislative measures such as those dealing with the control of waste are being reviewed as part of the on-going process of ensuring that such measures are adequate for today's needs and fully meet EC obligations.
The importance of an accurate data base in the development of environment policy is recognised at national and EC level. I have recently received the first report on the State of the Environment in Ireland, prepared for my Department by An Foras Forbartha. The implications of this report for future environment policy are now being examined.