Vol. 526 No. 4
98 Mrs. Owen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the communications she has had with the cement industry in regard to their environmental impact here; if the Health and Safety Authority has made any reports on, or examinations of, the quarries and cement plants; and if she has satisfied herself that sufficient action is being taken against cement producers and quarry companies. [26583/00]
186 Mr. Sargent asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her policy in relation to the cement industry in view of the large share of the greenhouse gas burden for which this sector is responsible; if she has had communication with other Government Departments on this matter; and if so, the nature of that communication. [27017/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 98 and 186 together.
I have not had any substantive communication with the cement industry in relation to environmental matters. However, the Government's national climate change strategy, which was launched earlier this month, recommends, among other things, that negotiated agreements should be put in place with certain sectors, including the cement industry. My Department will be having detailed discussions with the cement industry on implementation of the climate change strategy.
It is essential that all sectors, including the cement industry, play their part in ensuring that Ireland reduces its greenhouse gas emissions in line with the strategy. I have been in correspondence with my colleague, the Minister for the Environment and Local Government, to ensure that any legislative changes, which may be required in relation to greenhouse gas emissions, are put in place.
In relation to the potential environmental impact of cement production in this country, while this is not my direct responsibility, I am satisfied that the Minister for the Environment and Local Government is addressing the issue. All cement production activities are licensable under the integrated pollution control licensing regime, which is provided for in Part IV of the Environmental Protection Agency Act, 1992 (No. 7 of 1992) and is administered by the Environmental Protection Agency. IPC licensing is a modern and comprehensive system for controlling emissions from certain industrial and intensive agriculture activities, which have the potential to cause significant environmental pollution, and is in line with best international practice for environmental protection.
The Minister for the Environment and Local Government, Deputy Dempsey, has indicated that he will bring forward a Bill to amend the Environmental Protection Agency Act, 1992. One of the primary purposes of this Bill will be to bring the current integrated pollution control licensing provisions fully into line with EU Directive 96/61/EC on integrated pollution prevention and control. The Bill will also contain appropriate proposals for the Environmental Protection Agency to address greenhouse gas emissions in the course of determining individual licence applications.
