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EU Directives.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 29 April 2004

Thursday, 29 April 2004

Questions (55)

Joe Sherlock

Question:

51 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will list the number of cases in which the European Commission has initiated legal action or announced that it intends to take legal action, arising from the failure by this country to implement EU directives for which his Department has responsibility; the steps he is taking to ensure that all of these directives are implemented in full; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12235/04]

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Written answers

There are currently five cases in respect of which the European Commission has initiated legal action relating to non-implementation of EU directives in areas for which my Department has responsibility. The first four cases relate to directives concerning dangerous substances in water; the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment — commonly known as environmental impact assessment or EIA; the keeping of wild animals in zoos, and end-of-life vehicles. The fifth case relates to a number of waste issues.

Legislation is in place in respect of each of the above five directives. The legal actions relate to issues regarding elements of transposition and implementation. The European Commission recently indicated its intention to withdraw the case relating to the zoos directive and confirmation of that decision is awaited. Legal action has also been taken by the Commission against Ireland on reporting requirements under an EU regulation on ozone depleting substances. A defence has been lodged in this respect.

The European Commission announced on 22 July 2003 its intention to take legal action against Ireland regarding the proposed decision by the Government to introduce a €20 charge on citizens wishing to make submissions on development consent procedures. The Commission also announced on 29 January 2004 its intention to take legal action against Ireland for alleged failure to designate a sufficient number of special protection areas for wild birds and adequately to protect sites that have or require special protection area status. No communication has been received from the European Court of Justice on either matter.

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