Ivan Yates
Question:268 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the proposals he has to introduce a constitutional referendum on the principles of sustainability. [24910/00]
Written Answers. - Sustainable Development.
Sustainable Development: A Strategy for Ireland, which was adopted by Government in 1997, provides the framework for national policy in relation to sustainable development. In its multi-dimensional and multi-sectoral approach, the strategy sets out a broad agenda for action in relation to environment policy and the integration of environmental considerations into sectoral economic policies.
A wide range of policy initiatives have been developed since 1997 in accordance with the principles and priorities established in the strategy. These include: a policy statement on waste man agement, Changing Our Ways (1998), planned investment in waste infrastructure under the national development plan, and development of producer responsibility initiatives in respect of particular waste streams; the recently-published National Climate Change Strategy (2000), which establishes a policy framework for adjustment of sectoral economic policies to combat adverse climate change; initiatives to protect urban air quality such as the elimination of leaded petrol, extension of the bituminous coal ban and plans for significantly increased investment in public transport under the NDP; actions to address eutrophication of rivers and lakes, including greater investment in water services, extension of water catchment management strategies, and promotion of nutrient management planning; and the putting in place of institutions and mechanisms to promote sustainable development such as the establishment of Comhar – the national sustainable development partnership, work on the development of environmental and sustainability indicators, initiation of a national environmental awareness campaign, the work of the environmental network of Government Departments, and progress with local agenda 21.
I am satisfied that the objective of sustainable development will be well served by developing and implementing policy initiatives along the above lines I have no current proposals for a referendum to give constitutional recognition to the promotion of sustainable development.