Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 1 Apr 1998

Vol. 489 No. 4

Written Answers. - National Environmental Partnership Forum.

Brendan Howlin

Question:

123 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he will provide details of the number of submissions received from groups, organisations and individuals in relation to the recent day long consultative conference on the National Environmental Partnership Forum in Malahide, County Dublin; the number of invitations issued to groups, organisations and individuals; the criteria used to select delegates from the above categories; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8355/98]

Minister for the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Dempsey)

A total of 129 submissions were received by my Department in regard to the setting up of the National Environmental Partnership Forum. Of these, 116 were made by groups and organisations and 13 by individuals. Except in a few cases where submissions were received very late, all the groups and organisations involved were invited to send representatives to the consultative conference held last week. A number of other groups representative of those interested in, and affecting, the environment were also invited. The primary emphasis was on representative participation. For this reason, having regard to accommodation constraints, it was not possible to invite individuals to the conference. However, I will be taking into account all the submissions received, and the conference report will be sent to the individuals concerned as well as to the conference participants.