Vol. 410 No. 1
60 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment if he will outline the action which has been taken by the European Community pursuant to the decision of the EC Summit at Dublin in 1990, that research and environmental monitoring be intensified to achieve a better understanding of the phenomena involved in global climatic change; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
An EC research programme on climate change and natural hazards (EPOCH) is already under way and a number of projects have been assisted under it. In addition, the overall Community framework research programme, currently before the Council of Ministers, includes a specific programme on environmental research and, under its auspices, research on climate change will be further assisted.
I would also refer to the reply to Question No. 34 of 11 June 1991 which refers to studies commissioned by my Department on the impact of possible climate change on Ireland. These will be published shortly.
