Vol. 497 No. 1
70 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the controls on the use of CFC's and other ozone depleting substances; the other measures, if any, he will introduce in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23410/98]
The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer was adopted in 1987 and was ratified by Ireland in 1988. It provides for the phased with-drawal of ozone depleting substances.
Ireland is meeting its commitments under the protocol by means of EU legislation (Council Regulation (EC) No. 3093/94). Commitments include prohibitions on the production and use of ozone depleting substances, including, inter alia, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). Following the most recent amendments to the Montreal Protocol, the European Commission has brought forward proposals for amendment of the regulation. These proposals which are now under discussion by the EU Council of Environment Ministers, exceed the requirements of the protocol in relation to methyl bromide and hydrochlorofluorocarbons.
