Vol. 529 No. 1
789 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if Ireland has yet lodged a defence, which it was obliged to do before 18 December 2000, against the infringement proceedings being taken against Ireland by the European Union under Article 226 of the treaty, because of Ireland's non-implementation of the EU drinking water directive; and if so, if he will place a copy of Ireland's defence in the Oireachtas Library. [1257/01]
A formal defence was lodged by Ireland in due time on 19 December 2000 in relation to the application made to the European Court of Justice by the European Commission in Case C-316/00. This case relates to implementation of EU Directive 80/778/EEC relating to the quality of water intended for human consumption. I am advised that it would not be appropriate to make the defence generally available for public reference. In due course, copies of the report for the hearing, the opinion of the Advocate General and the judgment of the court will become available and I will arrange to have them placed in the Oireachtas Library.
