Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 27 Apr 1995

Vol. 452 No. 2

Written Answers. - Sustainable Economic Development.

Pat Upton

Question:

18 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for the Environment the steps, if any, he has taken to provide indicators of sustainable economic development which takes account of environmental factors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4999/95]

Minister for the Environment (Mr. Howlin)

As outlined in the policy agreement A Government of Renewal, the Government is committed to working towards a new set of indicators of sustainable economic development which will take account of environmental and social factors. These indicators will be used alongside existing measures of economic activity such as GDP, and will also assist in monitoring the implementation of the national sustainable development strategy, which I am currently preparing.

Development of suitable indicators is a complex matter, involving environmental, economic and social policy inputs. My Department has commissioned the Economic and Social Research Institute to study the methodological issues involved. This study will examine the relevance in an Irish context, of international work on indicators, assess the usefulness of current environmental data in indicating economic pressures on the environment, and advise on the formulation of suitable indicators in Ireland. Work on the definition of indicators will proceed in association with the preparation of the national sustainable development strategy and with ongoing EU and other international work in this area.