Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 3 Dec 1996

Vol. 472 No. 3

Written Answers. - EU Commission Communication.

Noel Dempsey

Question:

101 Mr. Dempsey asked the Minister for the Environment whether the EU Commission's communication on an EU Common Platform for the Special Session of the UN on Agenda 21 in April 1997 had in fact been presented to the Government in early November 1996 as promised by him further to his answer to Question No. 149 of 22 October 1996; if so, if he will make this communication available; his views on this communication; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22928/96]

Minister for the Environment (Mr. Howlin)

The European Commission presented the Council on 13 November 1996 with its communication entitled "A Common Platform: Guidelines for EU preparation for the UN General Assembly Special Session (UNGASS) to be held in June 1997 to review Agenda 21 and related outcomes of UNCED". Copies of the communication have been placed in the Oireachtas Library.

The communication provides a good basis for the development of the EU position on the issues arising at UNGASS. This overall question will be the subject of conclusions for consideration and adoption by the Environment Council at its meeting on 9-10 December.