Noel Dempsey
Question:2 Mr. Dempsey asked the Minister for the Environment if he has satisfied himself with the investigative powers and resources available to the Environmental Protection Agency. [7833/95]
Ceisteanna — Questions Oral Answers. - Environmental Protection Agency.
Seán Power
Question:35 Mr. Power asked the Minister for the Environment if he has satisfied himself with the investigative powers and resources available to the Environmental Protection Agency. [3422/95]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 2 and 35 together.
I am satisfied that the Environmental Protection Agency has satisfactory powers of investigation under the Environmental Protection Agency Act, 1992.
The agency has already carried out a number of investigations in specific instances of environmental pollution. Its published reports, for example, in regard to the explosion and fire at Hickson PharmaChem in August 1993, and the serious fish kill on the river Lung in June 1994, provide a comprehensive framework for remedial actions. They also underline the effectiveness of the agency as a force for better environmental management. I am not aware of any difficulties or shortcomings arising in relation to such investigations by the agency.
The Environmental Protection Agency was established less than two years ago and is still building up its resources to take on the full range of function assigned to it under the Act. The Government is committed to providing the necessary resources to ensure that the agency, through its role in reporting the state of our environment, achieves its full potential as a powerful and effective watchdog for the environment. I have already had discussions with the agency in this regard.
I thank the Minister for his reply. In so far as it can, the Environmental Protection Agency has been doing a fine job and I compliment the Minister on extending the range of industries that will come under the IPC's licensing system.
Section 105 of the Environmental Protection Agency Act has not been enforced. This section would allow the agency to subpoena witnesses and documents to a sworn inquiry and give an inspector rights of inspection. Is the Minister aware of the public concern as to why this important power has not been brought into force? Does he intend rectifying this in the near future? If the matter is not addressed, the agency will be brought into disrepute.
I thank the Deputy for his kind comments. I share his view that the agency has great potential to preserve what is best for our environment and to tackle the problems of any society.
Section 105 of the Act gives the authority an important power. Under its provisions the agency would have the power to establish an inquiry into any incident of environmental pollution or other matters relating to environmental protection. I have given instructions that this and other sections of the Act be given legal force shortly.
I welcome that news. In regard to resources, I am sure the Minister is aware of the number of investigations which have been taking place for some time, for example, at Askeaton, Ballycroy and at a lake in County Kerry.
The investigations seem to be continuing for a long time. If the agency does not have sufficient resources to carry out these investigations it will quickly lose the public support it has. I want the Minister to give me an assurance that it is not a lack of resources that is impeding the investigations in these areas. Finally, I originally had a priority question addressed to the Minister in relation to the marine and the dumping of toxic chemicals.
Let us not introduce a new matter of that kind, Deputy.
It is relevant to the question.
Let us keep to the question on the Order Paper.
This matter was transferred to and has been accepted by the Minister for the Marine because it is a question concerning the sea. Surely this is an area that——
We are dwelling over long on this question. They are priority questions to which a rigid time limit applies.
Surely the marine is part of the environment and this is an area——
We must bring this matter to finality now.
I will if I get an opportunity to finish putting the question. Surely the Environmental Protection Agency has a responsibility in regard to our seas. If it has not, it will be brought into disrepute if it is unable to tackle these serious environmental problems.
The Deputy has raised a number of matters. I will begin by giving him an assurance that all the resources required will be provided. The agency is dealing as effectively as possible with all of the incidents referred to by the Deputy. The resources available to the agency this year are £3.6 million current and £750,000 capital — an increase on the money available last year. In addition, the agency has substantial fee income from its own licensing function. Last year it had a fee income of approximately £340,000; this year that will increase to £1.4 million. The resources available to the agency are good. I am hoping to develop and expand the skill base of the agency. It will have a permanent location in Wexford and I believe it will do a worthwhile job for the future of Ireland.
In relation to the specific point on Askeaton and other areas, I would be glad to provide a detailed response to the Deputy in writing giving an update on any of those incidents, if he wishes, rather than take up the time of the House now. In a comprehensive way the Department of the Marine has a function in monitoring the marine environment. In regard to radioactive pollution, for example, the Radiological Protection Institute has a role. All State agencies dovetail to ensure that we strive for the pristine environment which is our common objective.