asked the Minister for Local Government the results that have been achieved with regard to environmental policy since the meeting of the European Communities which he addressed on 19th July, 1973.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Environmental Policy.
105.
The Community environment programme approved by the Council in July last was adopted in final form on 22nd November, 1973, and is now in course of implementation.
The programme provides for a variety of projects to be undertaken to control and reduce pollution and to improve the environment. Much of the early work will be concerned with technical assessment of particular pollution problems in order to provide a sound basis for future objectives and control measures, whether at Community or member state level. Specialist groups are now studying a number of problems of this kind. A number of concrete proposals have already developed. They include draft directives relating to the content of lead in petrol and of sulphur in gas-oil; the quality of surface drinking water; and the disposal of waste oil. Other proposals can be expected to emerge according as the essential ground work is completed.
A joint research programme is also being implemented.
Does the Minister intend to make statements from time to time as these proposals are being implemented or should I repeat the question again?
The Deputy will not find it necessary to do so. If he reads his newspapers he will find that I have already made a number of statements on these matters and will continue to do so.