Vol. 415 No. 8
353 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when a decision will be made by the EC Community in respect of the establishment of an Environment Protection Agency; if Ireland will be selected as the location for this important new institution; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The decision in principle to establish a European Environmental Agency was taken during the Irish Presidency in early 1990. The issue of its location has, however, become part of a wider discussion within the Community on the site of the other institutions such as the European Parliament, and the other specialised agencies.
The issue of the sites and institutions and specialised agencies gives rise to considerable difficulties for many member states and so far it has not proved possible to find an acceptable compromise. The Portuguese Presidency has decided that the question of the seat of the institutions and agencies should be examined at the level of Heads of State of Government at a forthcoming European Council.
Ireland is a candidate for the location of the Environment Protection Agency and other Community agencies and is anxious that a decision be taken as soon as possible.
