I propose taking Questions Nos. 2 and 37 together.
The control of the production and consumption of chlorofluorocarbons in the interests of protecting the ozone layer can best be carried out by multilateral rather than unilateral action. In recognition of this, Ireland in common with its EC partners is a party to the Montreal Protocol on substances that deplete the ozone layer which came into force on 1 January 1989. The Protocol introduces control measures for the eight substances regarded as having the greatest ozone depleting potential. These substances comprise five chlorofluorocarbons and three halons. As regards chlorofluorocarbons, the controls require the stabilisation of consumption at 1986 levels from 1 July 1989, a reduction of 20 per cent from 1 July 1993 and a reduction of 50 per cent from 1 July 1998.
The Montreal Protocol is being implemented throughout the European Communities by means of Council Regulation (EEC) No. 3322/88 of 14 October 1988. The regulation restricts the production of CFCs within the Community and the importation of CFCs from third countries. In response to these controls, major advances have already been made in the development of substitute substances.
The first review of the Montreal Protocol is scheduled to take place in the spring of 1990 and the preparatory scientific, environmental and economic work is now commencing. I believe that the current measures in the Montreal Protocol are but the first step towards protecting the ozone layer. Greater and faster reductions in the use of CFCs are called for. Ireland will, therefore, be supporting proposals at EC level and at meetings of the Montreal Protocol for more stringent controls on the use of CFCs.