Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 7 Oct 1998

Vol. 494 No. 5

Written Answers. - Greenhouse Gases.

John Gormley

Question:

107 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if his Department hosted any events for the recent UN international day for the preservation of the ozone layer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18952/98]

John Gormley

Question:

108 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the increase in the illegal trade of CFCs and halons usually produced in India, China and Russia; if his Department intends to liaise with the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform to deal with this serious problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18954/98]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 107 and 108 together.

While my Department did not host any event for the recent international day, Ireland fully supports action at EU and wider international level to protect the ozone layer. Further proposals in this regard were considered by the EU Council of Environment Ministers on 6 October.

I am aware of reports on the development of illegal trade in CFCs and other ozone depleting substances. The amendments to the Montreal Protocol, which were agreed at the Ninth Meeting of the Parties in 1997, included a requirement to establish a system for licensing the import and export of ozone depleting substances to enhance international efforts to curb illegal trade in these substances. European Community legislation, which already provides for a licensing system, is being further developed to take account of the recent amendments to the Montreal Protocol. My Department is engaged in consultations with the Revenue Commissioners, who have responsibility for the enforcement of import and export controls, with regards to making provision for addressing illegal trade in CFCs and other ozone depleting substances.