Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 11 September 2017
1468. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his views on the findings of the Aarhus Convention compliance committee; if his Department's officials attending the meeting will be speaking in support of these findings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38398/17]
View answerI note the findings and recommendations adopted by the Aarhus Convention Compliance Committee on 19 June 2017, with regard to communications ACCC/C/2013/91 and ACCC/C/2013/92, concerning compliance by the United Kingdom and Germany with their obligations under the Aarhus Convention in relation to public participation in the transboundary environmental impact assessment procedure for two nuclear reactors at Hinkley Point in the United Kingdom. The findings and recommendations were concluded in accordance with defined procedures and international law under the Aarhus Convention and, as part of that process, parties concerned are entitled to submit comments on the draft findings and to challenge issues of fact. Ireland is not a party to these proceedings and, therefore, does not have a role in affirming or disputing the findings of the Aarhus Convention Compliance Committee. Officials from my Department will attend the meeting of the Aarhus Committee next week and will note the discussions on this matter
