Vol. 473 No. 4
34 Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment the number of cases currently pending before the European Commission in respect of alleged breaches by Ireland of EU Environmental Directives; whether he has satisfied himself that the European Commission has been supplied with all relevant information; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1575/97]
The information requested is summarised in a table which I propose to circulate in the Official Report. In one case, Commission proceedings are pending in the European Court of Justice. One reasoned opinion has been delivered under Article 169 of the Treaty and in a further eight cases, the Commission has sought observations prior to the possible delivery of reasoned opinions.
Ireland's record of compliance with EU environmental legislation is creditable, as evidenced by recent Commission reports on implementation of community legislation. It is our policy to respond constructively and substantially to correspondence from the Commission in this regard with a view to minimising formal legal proceedings.
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Court Proceedings |
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Directive |
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Environmental Impact Assessment of certain public and private projects (85/337) |
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Reasoned Opinion |
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Directive |
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Volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions (94/63/EC) |
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Article 169 letters |
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Directive |
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The conservation of natural habitats (92/43/EC). |
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Pollution caused by certain dangerous substances discharged into the aquatic environment (76/464/EC). |
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Air pollution by ozone (92/72/EC). |
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Batteries and accumulators (91/157/EC). |
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Protection of waters against pollution caused by nitrates from agricultural sources (91/676/EC). |
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Protection of animals used for experimental and other scientific purposes (86/609/EC). |
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Packaging and packaging waste (94/62/EC). |
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Emission of gaseous and particulate pollutants from diesel engines for use in vehicles (96/166/EC). |
