Bernard Allen
Question:144 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for the Environment when he proposes to introduce regulations to accommodate Eco-audits, sustainable growth and civil liability for damages in cases of environmental accident.
Written Answers. - Regulations of Environment Accident.
Wexford): Council Regulation No. 1836/93 provides for voluntary participation by companies in the industrial sector in an Eco-Management and Audit Scheme, to commence in April 1995. The Regulation is directly applicable in all member states of the EU and national implementing regulations should not be required.
Sustainable growth, denoting a policy and strategy for continued economic and social development with full respect for environment, is a central objective of the Programme for a Partnership Government. The principle of sustainable growth is already reflected in national legislation, through the Environmental Protection Agency Act, 1992, which requires the Agency, in carrying out its functions, to have regard to the need to promote sustainable and environmentally sound development. It has also been elaborated specifically as an objective of the National Development Plan, in accordance with standing Government policy as well as the requirements of the Structural Funds Regulations.
The question of civil liability is dealt with in the reply to Question No. 157 of 9 February 1994.