Avril Doyle
Question:17 Mrs. Doyle asked the Minister for the Environment if he will define the expression sustainable development as used in the National Development Plan, 1994-1999.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - National Development Plan.
P. J. Sheehan
Question:22 Mr. Sheehan asked the Minister for the Environment the manner in which the preparations for the National Development Plan 1994-1999 complied with the provisions of EC Council Regulations No. 2081/93 and with Article 8.4, in view of the requirements that these plans shall include an appraisal of the environmental situation of the region concerned and an evaluation of the environmental impact of the strategy and operations referred to above in terms of sustainable development in agreement with the provisions of Community Law in force; and the arrangements made to associate the competent environmental authorities designated by the member state in the preparation and implementation of the operations envisaged in the plan to ensure compliance with Community environmental rules.
Enda Kenny
Question:30 Mr. E. Kenny asked the Minister for the Environment the manner in which the preparation of the National Development Plan 1994-1999 complied with the provisions of EC Council Regulations No. 2081/93 and with Article 8.4, in view of the requirements that these plans shall include an appraisal of the environmental situation of the region concerned and an evaluation of the environmental impact of the strategy and operations referred to above in terms of sustainable development in agreement with the provisions of Community Law in force; and the arrangements made to associate the competent environmental authorities designated by the member state in the preparation and implementation of the operations envisaged in the plan to ensure compliance with Community environmental rules.
Avril Doyle
Question:39 Mrs. Doyle asked the Minister for the Environment the manner in which the preparation of the National Development Plan 1994-1999 complied with the provisions of EC Council Regulations No. 2081/93 and with Article 8.4, in view of the requirements that these plans shall include an appraisal of the environmental situation of the region concerned and an evaluation of the environmental impact of the strategy and operations referred to above in terms of sustainable development in agreement with the provisions of Community Law in force; and the arrangements made to associate the competent environmental authorities designated by the Member State in the preparation and implementation of the operations envisaged in the plan to ensure compliance with Community environmental rules.
Frank Crowley
Question:45 Mr. Crowley asked the Minister for the Environment the manner in which the preparation of the National Development Plan 1994-1999 complied with the provisions of EC Council Regulations No. 2081/93 and with Article 8.4, in view of the requirements that these plans shall include an appraisal of the environmental situation of the region concerned and an evaluation of the environmental impact of the strategy and operations referred to above in terms of sustainable development in agreement with the provisions of Community Law in force; and the arrangements made to associate the competent environmental authorities designated by the member state in the preparation and implementation of the operations envisaged in the plan to ensure compliance with Community environmental rules.
Brendan McGahon
Question:47 Mr. McGahon asked the Minister for the Environment the manner in which the preparation of the National Development Plan 1994-1999 complied with the provisions of EC Council Regulations No. 2081/93 and with Article 8.4, in view of the requirements that these plans shall include an appraisal of the environmental situation of the region concerned and an evaluation of the environmental impact of the strategy and operations referred to above in terms of sustainable development in agreement with the provisions of Community Law in force; and the arrangements made to associate the competent environmental authorities designated by the member state in the preparation and implementation of the operations envisaged in the plan to ensure compliance with Community environmental rules.
Michael Lowry
Question:50 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for the Environment the manner in which the preparation of the National Development Plan 1994-1999 complied with the provisions of EC Council Regulations No. 2081/93 and with Article 8.4, in view of the requirements that these plans shall include an appraisal of the environmental situation of the region concerned and an evaluation of the environmental impact of the strategy and operations referred to above in terms of sustainable development in agreement with the provisions of Community Law in force; and the arrangements made to associate the competent environmental authorities designated by the member state in the preparation and implementation of the operations envisaged in the plan to ensure compliance with Community environmental rules.
Pádraic McCormack
Question:52 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for the Environment the manner in which the preparation of the National Development Plan 1994-1999 complied with the provisions of EC Council Regulations No. 2081/93 and with Article 8.4, in view of the requirements that these plans shall include an appraisal of the environmental situation of the region concerned and an evaluation of the environmental impact of the strategy and operations referred to above in terms of sustainable development in agreement with the provisions of Community Law in force; and the arrangements made to associate the competent environmental authorities designated by the member state in the preparation and implementation of the operations envisaged in the plan to ensure compliance with Community environmental rules.
Ivan Yates
Question:60 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for the Environment the manner in which the preparation of the National Development Plan 1994-1999 complied with the provisions of EC Council Regulations No. 2081/93 and with Article 8.4, in view of the requirements that these plans shall include an appraisal of the environmental situation of the region concerned and an evaluation of the environmental impact of the strategy and operations referred to above in terms of sustainable development in agreement with the provisions of Community Law in force; and the arrangements made to associate the competent environmental authorities designated by the member state in the preparation and implementation of the operations envisaged in the plan to ensure compliance with Community environmental rules.
Theresa Ahearn
Question:63 Mrs. T. Ahearn asked the Minister for the Environment the manner in which the preparation of the National Development Plan 1994-1999 complied with the provisions of EC Council Regulations No. 2081/93 and with Article 8.4, in view of the requirements that these plans shall include an appraisal of the environmental situation of the region concerned and an evaluation of the environmental impact of the strategy and operations referred to above in terms of sustainable development in agreement with the provisions of Community Law in force; and the arrangements made to associate the competent environmental authorities designated by the member state in the preparation and implementation of the operations envisaged in the plan to ensure compliance with Community environmental rules.
Patrick D. Harte
Question:68 Mr. Harte asked the Minister for the Environment the manner in which the preparation of the National Development Plan 1994-1999 complied with the provisions of EC Council Regulations No. 2081/93 and with Article 8.4, in view of the requirements that these plans shall include an appraisal of the environmental situation of the region concerned and an evaluation of the environmental impact of the strategy and operations referred to above in terms of sustainable development in agreement with the provisions of Community Law in force; and the arrangements made to associate the competent environmental authorities designated by the member state in the preparation and implementation of the operations envisaged in the plan to ensure compliance with Community environmental rules.
Godfrey Timmins
Question:69 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for the Environment the manner in which the preparation of the National Development Plan 1994-1999 complied with the provisions of EC Council Regulations No. 2081/93 and with Article 8.4, in view of the requirements that these plans shall include an appraisal of the environmental situation of the region concerned and an evaluation of the environmental impact of the strategy and operations referred to above in terms of sustainable development in agreement with the provisions of Community Law in force; and the arrangements made to associate the competent environmental authorities designated by the member state in the preparation and implementation of the operations envisaged in the plan to ensure compliance with Community environmental rules.
Richard Bruton
Question:80 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment the manner in which the preparation of the National Development Plan 1994-1999 complied with the provisions of EC Council Regulations No. 2081/93 and with Article 8.4, in view of the requirements that these plans shall include an appraisal of the environmental situation of the region concerned and an evaluation of the environmental impact of the strategy and operations referred to above in terms of sustainable development in agreement with the provisions of Community Law in force; and the arrangements made to associate the competent environmental authorities designated by the member state in the preparation and implementation of the operations envisaged in the plan to ensure compliance with Community environmental rules.
Alan M. Dukes
Question:82 Mr. Dukes asked the Minister for the Environment the manner in which the preparation of the National Development Plan 1994-1999 complied with the provisions of EC Council Regulations No. 2081/93 and with Article 8.4, in view of the requirements that these plans shall include an appraisal of the environmental situation of the region concerned and an evaluation of the environmental impact of the strategy and operations referred to above in terms of sustainable development in agreement with the provisions of Community Law in force; and the arrangements made to associate the competent environmental authorities designated by the member state in the preparation and implementation of the operations envisaged in the plan to ensure compliance with Community environmental rules.
Edward Nealon
Question:85 Mr. Nealon asked the Minister for the Environment the manner in which the preparation of the National Development Plan 1994-1999 complied with the provisions of EC Council Regulations No. 2081/93 and with Article 8.4, in view of the requirements that these plans shall include an appraisal of the environmental situation of the region concerned and an evaluation of the environmental impact of the strategy and operations referred to above in terms of sustainable development in agreement with the provisions of Community Law in force; and the arrangements made to associate the competent environmental authorities designated by the member state in the preparation and implementation of the operations envisaged in the plan to ensure compliance with Community environmental rules.
Nora Owen
Question:86 Mrs. Owen asked the Minister for the Environment the manner in which the preparation of the National Development Plan 1994-1999 complied with the provisions of EC Council Regulations No. 2081/93 and with Article 8.4, in view of the requirements that these plans shall include an appraisal of the environmental situation of the region concerned and an evaluation of the environmental impact of the strategy and operations referred to above in terms of sustainable development in agreement with the provisions of Community Law in force; and the arrangements made to associate the competent environmental authorities designated by the member state in the preparation and implementation of the operations envisaged in the plan to ensure compliance with Community environmental rules.
Jim Mitchell
Question:90 Mr. J. Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment the manner in which the preparation of the National Development Plan 1994-1999 complied with the provisions of EC Council Regulations No. 2081/93 and with Article 8.4, in view of the requirements that these plans shall include an appraisal of the environmental situation of the region concerned and an evaluation of the environmental impact of the strategy and operations referred to above in terms of sustainable development in agreement with the provisions of Community Law in force; and the arrangements made to associate the competent environmental authorities designated by the member state in the preparation and implementation of the operations envisaged in the plan to ensure compliance with Community environmental rules.
Seán Barrett
Question:96 Mr. Barrett asked the Minister for the Environment the manner in which the preparation of the National Development Plan 1994-1999 complied with the provisions of EC Council Regulations No. 2081/93 and with Article 8.4, in view of the requirements that these plans shall include an appraisal of the environmental situation of the region concerned and an evaluation of the environmental impact of the strategy and operations referred to above in terms of sustainable development in agreement with the provisions of Community Law in force; and the arrangements made to associate the competent environmental authorities designated by the member state in the preparation and implementation of the operations envisaged in the plan to ensure compliance with Community environmental rules.
Frances Fitzgerald
Question:103 Ms F. Fitzgerald asked the Minister for the Environment the manner in which the preparation of the National Development Plan 1994-1999 complied with the provisions of EC Council Regulations No. 2081/93 and with Article 8.4, in view of the requirements that these plans shall include an appraisal of the environmental situation of the region concerned and an evaluation of the environmental impact of the strategy and operations referred to above in terms of sustainable development in agreement with the provisions of Community Law in force; and the arrangements made to associate the competent environmental authorities designated by the member state in the preparation and implementation of the operations envisaged in the plan to ensure compliance with Community environmental rules.
Gay Mitchell
Question:106 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment the manner in which the preparation of the National Development Plan 1994-1999 complied with the provisions of EC Council Regulations No. 2081/93 and with Article 8.4, in view of the requirements that these plans shall include an appraisal of the environmental situation of the region concerned and an evaluation of the environmental impact of the strategy and operations referred to above in terms of sustainable development in agreement with the provisions of Community Law in force; and the arrangements made to associate the competent environmental authorities designated by the member state in the preparation and implementation of the operations envisaged in the plan to ensure compliance with Community environmental rules.
Andrew Boylan
Question:108 Mr. Boylan asked the Minister for the Environment the manner in which the preparation of the National Development Plan 1994-1999 complied with the provisions of EC Council Regulations No. 2081/93 and with Article 8.4, in view of the requirements that these plans shall include an appraisal of the environmental situation of the region concerned and an evaluation of the environmental impact of the strategy and operations referred to above in terms of sustainable development in agreement with the provisions of Community Law in force; and the arrangements made to associate the competent environmental authorities designated by the member state in the preparation and implementation of the operations envisaged in the plan to ensure compliance with Community environmental rules.
Paul Connaughton
Question:110 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for the Environment the manner in which the preparation of the National Development Plan 1994-1999 complied with the provisions of EC Council Regulations No. 2081/93 and with Article 8.4, in view of the requirements that these plans shall include an appraisal of the environmental situation of the region concerned and an evaluation of the environmental impact of the strategy and operations referred to above in terms of sustainable development in agreement with the provisions of Community Law in force; and the arrangements made to associate the competent environmental authorities designated by the member state in the preparation and implementation of the operations envisaged in the plan to ensure compliance with Community environmental rules.
Jim Higgins
Question:111 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for the Environment the manner in which the preparation of the National Development Plan 1994-1999 complied with the provisions of EC Council Regulations No. 2081/93 and with Article 8.4, in view of the requirements that these plans shall include an appraisal of the environmental situation of the region concerned and an evaluation of the environmental impact of the strategy and operations referred to above in terms of sustainable development in agreement with the provisions of Community Law in force; and the arrangements made to associate the competent environmental authorities designated by the member state in the preparation and implementation of the operations envisaged in the plan to ensure compliance with Community environmental rules.
Charles Flanagan
Question:112 Mr. Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment the manner in which the preparation of the National Development Plan 1994-1999 complied with the provisions of EC Council Regulations No. 2081/93 and with Article 8.4, in view of the requirements that these plans shall include an appraisal of the environmental situation of the region concerned and an evaluation of the environmental impact of the strategy and operations referred to above in terms of sustainable development in agreement with the provisions of Community Law in force; and the arrangements made to associate the competent environmental authorities designated by the member state in the preparation and implementation of the operations envisaged in the plan to ensure compliance with Community environmental rules.
Paul Bradford
Question:113 Mr. Bradford asked the Minister for the Environment the manner in which the preparation of the National Development Plan 1994-1999 complied with the provisions of EC Council Regulations No. 2081/93 and with Article 8.4, in view of the requirements that these plans shall include an appraisal of the environmental situation of the region concerned and an evaluation of the environmental impact of the strategy and operations referred to above in terms of sustainable development in agreement with the provisions of Community Law in force; and the arrangements made to associate the competent environmental authorities designated by the member state in the preparation and implementation of the operations envisaged in the plan to ensure compliance with Community environmental rules.
Seymour Crawford
Question:116 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for the Environment the manner in which the preparation of the National Development Plan 1994-1999 complied with the provisions of EC Council Regulations No. 2081/93 and with Article 8.4, in view of the requirements that these plans shall include an appraisal of the environmental situation of the region concerned and an evaluation of the environmental impact of the strategy and operations referred to above in terms of sustainable development in agreement with the provisions of Community Law in force; and the arrangements made to associate the competent environmental authorities designated by the member state in the preparation and implementation of the operations envisaged in the plan to ensure compliance with Community environmental rules.
Bernard Allen
Question:118 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for the Environment the manner in which the preparation of the National Development Plan 1994-1999 complied with the provisions of EC Council Regulations No. 2081/93 and with Article 8.4, in view of the requirements that these plans shall include an appraisal of the environmental situation of the region concerned and an evaluation of the environmental impact of the strategy and operations referred to above in terms of sustainable development in agreement with the provisions of Community Law in force; and the arrangements made to associate the competent environmental authorities designated by the member state in the preparation and implementation of the operations envisaged in the plan to ensure compliance with Community environmental rules.
John Bruton
Question:123 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment the manner in which the preparation of the National Development Plan 1994-1999 complied with the provisions of EC Council Regulations No. 2081/93 and with Article 8.4, in view of the requirements that these plans shall include an appraisal of the environmental situation of the region concerned and an evaluation of the environmental impact of the strategy and operations referred to above in terms of sustainable development in agreement with the provisions of Community Law in force; and the arrangements made to associate the competent environmental authorities designated by the member state in the preparation and implementation of the operations envisaged in the plan to ensure compliance with Community environmental rules.
Liam Burke
Question:127 Mr. L. Burke asked the Minister for the Environment the manner in which the preparation of the National Development Plan 1994-1999 complied with the provisions of EC Council Regulations No. 2081/93 and with Article 8.4, in view of the requirements that these plans shall include an appraisal of the environmental situation of the region concerned and an evaluation of the environmental impact of the strategy and operations referred to above in terms of sustainable development in agreement with the provisions of Community Law in force; and the arrangements made to associate the competent environmental authorities designated by the member state in the preparation and implementation of the operations envisaged in the plan to ensure compliance with Community environmental rules.
Michael Noonan
Question:135 Mr. Noonan (Limerick East) asked the Minister for the Environment the manner in which the preparation of the National Development Plan 1994-1999 complied with the provisions of EC Council Regulations No. 2081/93 and with Article 8.4, in view of the requirements that these plans shall include an appraisal of the environmental situation of the region concerned and an evaluation of the environmental impact of the strategy and operations referred to above in terms of sustainable development in agreement with the provisions of Community Law in force; and the arrangements made to associate the competent environmental authorities designated by the member state in the preparation and implementation of the operations envisaged in the plan to ensure compliance with Community environmental rules.
Donal Carey
Question:136 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for the Environment the manner in which the preparation of the National Development Plan 1994-1999 complied with the provisions of EC Council Regulations No. 2081/93 and with Article 8.4, in view of the requirements that these plans shall include an appraisal of the environmental situation of the region concerned and an evaluation of the environmental impact of the strategy and operations referred to above in terms of sustainable development in agreement with the provisions of Community Law in force; and the arrangements made to associate the competent environmental authorities designated by the member state in the preparation and implementation of the operations envisaged in the plan to ensure compliance with Community environmental rules.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 17, 22, 30, 39, 45, 47, 50, 52, 60, 63, 68, 69, 80, 82, 85, 86, 90, 96, 103, 106, 108, 110, 111, 112, 113, 116, 118, 123, 127, 135 and 136 together.
The expression "sustainable development" is used in the National Development Plan in the same sense as in other European Community and national environmental policy contexts. It signifies a policy and strategy for continued economic and social development which respects the environment as the natural resource base on which continued human activity and further development depend.
I am satisfied that the plan has carefully and comprehensively addressed the environmentally related requirements of the Structural Funds Framework Regulation. Chapter 12 contains an appraisal of the environmental situation in Ireland, drawing on the analysis of the Green 2000 Advisory Group, and covering the most relevant priority themes of the EC Fifth Environment Action Programme "Towards Sustainability".
Enhanced economic performance through sustainable growth and development is a primary objective of the plan. Chapter 12 also contains an overall evaluation of the impact of planned sectoral activity on the environment, which, in addition, is reflected as appropriate in the various sectoral development chapters. The kind of risks posed by increased economic activity, and the Government action and sectoral approaches which will enable growth to be managed in an environmentally sustainable way, are both identified. The legal and administrative framework, including the role of environmental authorities in all aspects of the development process, is also fully articulated in the plan, with emphasis on the process of environmental integration at policy level and the strengthened controls which will apply at project level.
There are more figures there than in the Structural Funds.
If I were the Deputy I would not refer to figures because he had great difficulty late last year and earlier this year counting numbers much smaller than those.
I listened intently to the Minister's reply but I got no specific definition from him in regard to sustainable development, which is exactly what I asked. There was padding but there was no answer. Is the Minister aware that we are required under the framework regulations, when drawing up the national plan, to use the definition of sustainable development as set out by the Commission, namely, that development must meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own need? Does the Minister agree that is the definition of sustainable development as used throughout the plan, in other words, that we will not bankrupt the resources of future generations?
The Brundtland report of 1972 from which Deputy Doyle has quoted is one way of explaining——
That is the Commission definition.
Yes, it is drawn from the 1972 report. The best practical way to address this matter is to take a brief X-ray of the plan to see what exactly is proposed.
The Minister should be brief because we may be precluded from asking more supplementary questions.
Let us be practical about this matter and not proceed in an airy-fairy way. In relation to the environmental operational programme dealing with pollution, sewage and coastal erosion——
Does the Minister accept that definition?
Yes, I accept that definition, and——
Please allow the Minister to answer the question.
—— that is why I am answering the question in this practical way.
Having accepted the definition, will the Minister say whether the sustainability of the capital investments has been considered or will we end up like some early Third World aid project, where the problem of sustainability was first highlighted, where donors gave their tractors to the villages but could never afford the spare parts or the petrol? Even assuming the most conservative estimate of 5 per cent per annum of our capital cost on maintenance, operation and staffing, will we be able to afford the ongoing annual running expenses when the capital investment is in place? What provision is being made to maintain the enormous capital investment? It is essential that no money is wasted and that we can as a nation continue to maintain, operate, staff and eventually renew the capital investment in infrastructure.
This plan was prepared in accordance with administrative recommendations from the EC Commission. I do not share the defeatist attitude of Deputy Doyle in the context of managing and developing the schemes which will form part of this plan. If you are talking about environmental degradation in noise, pollution and congestion——
I am not; I am talking about the question of definition of sustainable development, not mortgaging our children's future on the maintenance operation——
The Minister should be allowed to reply.
Time was very valuable to the Deputy when she was asking the question and time is valuable to me when answering it.
The Minister is misrepresenting me.
Definitions are only one part of this operation. I am asking the Deputy to consider the practical components which deal with pollution, noise and congestion——
That is another question.
——and the maintenance of those schemes thereafter.
The Minister does not understand the point of my question.
The Deputy should please allow the Minister to respond.
I am not talking about noise or environmental impact——
We can deal with abstract issues if the Deputy wishes.
I am not abstract but the Minister is.
I do not share Deputy Doyle's defeatist attitude that we will not be in a position to manage, maintain and develop the schemes when this programme is completed. The essence of this plan in dealing with pollution, noise, traffic congestion and so on——
I am not talking about those matters. The Minister does not understand the question.
——is to allow for sustainable development.
The Minister does not understand my question. I will explain it to him later.
I am moving on to Question No. 18. There are four priority questions to be dealt with in 12 minutes and to facilitate the four Deputies concerned I ask for brevity and co-operation.