asked the Minister for the Environment if Ireland is in breach of its obligations under Directive 80/779/EC on air quality; if legal proceedings have been opened under Article 169 of the EC Treaty; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Air Quality Obligations.
231.
While it is, of course, a matter for the European Court of Justice to determine whether a member state is in breach of Community law, I am satisfied that Ireland is fulfilling its obligations under Council Directive 80/779/EEC.
Legal proceedings, as the term is understood here, have not been initiated against Ireland in relation to this Council directive.
Last August, the European Commission, acting under Article 169 of the Treaty, requested the Government to submit observations on matters with respect to compliance with the directive and a response has been sent to the Commission. If the Commission is not satisfied with the response, it may issue a reasoned opinion requiring Ireland to take specified action. Only if any such reasoned opinion is not complied with would the question of proceedings before the European Court of Justice arise.