Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 19 Nov 1998

Vol. 497 No. 1

Written Answers. - Aarhus Convention.

John Gormley

Question:

78 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the plans, if any, to make legislative provision to give effect to those elements of the Aarhus Convention which make public participation obligatory in respect of the energy sector, metal production, the mineral industry, the chemical industry, waste management, major waste and water treatment plants and other water management constructions, installations for the intensive rearing of poultry and pigs and a range of other activities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23391/98]

John Gormley

Question:

79 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the plans, if any, he has to make legislative provision for the ratification of the Aarhus Convention which places an obligation on public authorities to collect and disseminate environmental information, to establish pollutant release and transfer registers and inventories as already exists in the United States, Sweden and the Czech Republic [23392/98]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 78 and 79 together.

I refer to the response to Questions Nos. 76, 86, 108, 293, 294, 295 and 297 on 13 October 1998 in which I stated my intention to ensure Ireland will be in a position to ratify the convention, and meet all its requirements in full, as quickly as possible.