Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 28 Jan 1997

Vol. 473 No. 6

Written Answers. - Environmental Information.

Noel Dempsey

Question:

162 Mr. Dempsey asked the Minister for the Environment if his Department or any of the agencies under the aegis of his Department have been asked to provide information in relation to EU regulation 90-313 and other related measures pertaining to access to information on the environment and the review in this regard being undertaken by the EU; if the report and in particular the national surveys are near completion; his understanding of the scope of the review and its implications for national policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2233/97]

Minister for the Environment (Mr. Howlin)

Under Article 8 of Directive 90/313/EEC on freedom of access to information on the environment, member states are required to report to the European Commission on the first four years of implementation, i.e. to 31 December 1996. My Department is compiling this report, which will build on the earlier national review published in April 1995 and will be completed as soon as possible. In accordance with recommendations from the Commission, the report will include statistical data and a review of the experience of public authorities and the public.

As I have indicated previously, I am keeping arrangements for access to information on the environment under review. I will also have regard to any developments at EU level in the context of article 8 of the directive.