Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 14 Nov 1989

Vol. 393 No. 1

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Environmental Protection Agency Proposal.

8.

Mr. Quinn

asked the Minister for the Environment when he proposes to publish details of the environmental protection agency; the basis upon which the agency will be established; if, in relation to that agency he will indicate (a) the intended composition of their board and the means by which their members will be appointed (b) the location of the agency (c) the projected numbers of staff he expects to be directly or indirectly employed by the agency (d) the operational budget which will be allocated for 1990 and (e) the type of statutory powers he envisages for the proposed agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

18.

Mr. Gilmore

asked the Minister for the Environment when it is intended to establish the independent environmental monitoring agency which was promised in the Programme for Government, 1989-1993; if he will outline the main functions of the agency; the way in which the agency will be appointed; the way in which the independence of the agency will be assured; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

57.

Mr. Kenny

asked the Minister for the Environment if the proposed new environmental monitoring agency is to be located at Johnstown Castle, County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment (Miss Harney)

I propose to take Priority Question No. 8 and Questions Nos. 18 and 57 together.

The agency will be established by primary legislation and it is intended that it will be operational in 1990. While detailed legislative proposals have yet to be considered by the Government, it is envisaged that the agency will have specific statutory functions relating to the following: the control and regulation of development likely to pose a major risk to environmental quality; general monitoring of environmental quality; support, back-up and advisory services for local authorities and other public bodies, and the co-ordination and conduct of environmental research.

Firm decisions will soon be taken on the constitution and form of the agency and the method of appointment of its members but I can assure Deputies that it is intended to provide for procedures which will be seen to guarantee the independence and competence of the organisation. The agency will be a fully independent and dynamic body with the necessary expertise and sophisticated equipment to enable it to carry out its functions effectively.

Decisions on the location of the agency, staff numbers and operational budgets would be premature at this stage. However, I can tell the House the Estimates for 1990 include a specific allocation of £0.5 million to meet initial start-up costs for next year.

Mr. Quinn

It would be in order to thank the Minister of State for answering the question. I think I am correct in saying it is the first time she has been in a position to answer such a question. Does she not think that an allocation at this stage, of a provisional sum, subject to the publication of the Estimates to provide for start-up cost of £500,000 is grossly inadequate? In relation to the amount of moneys that would be made available to carry out the functions which she has described, can I take it that the existing amount of money, which is approximately £3.2 million in the environment Estimates for 1989, will be transferred in whole to the budget of the environmental protection agency?

Miss Harney

It would not be for me to announce today how the exact funding of the agency was to be decided. The Government are anxious that much of the funding will come from those who are posing major threats to the environment and, as a result, this agency has to be established. The "polluter pays" principle is something which this Government are endeavouring to enshrine in this legislation. Obviously, where central funding is required, it will be available through additional resources and through the diversion of existing resources to the agency.

Mr. Quinn

Can the Minister of State assure the House that the operation and effectiveness of this agency in 1990 will in no way be circumscribed or limited because of a lack of funds?

Miss Harney

The establishment of this agency has the full support of the Government. We are enthusiastic to ensure that neither funding nor delays of any kind will be put in the way of this agency being as effective as possible, as quickly as possible.

Mr. Quinn

Is the Minister in a position yet to answer my question regarding the composition of the board and the means by which the members will be appointed?

Miss Harney

Not fully, but I am determined that the agency will be independent. The establishment of An Bord Pleanála, the Office of the DPP and the Ombudsman are models we are looking at. Possibly one of those models will be used to ensure the independence of the agency.

(Interruptions.)

Miss Harney

I might add that Deputy Shatter's Bill will be a major contribution to the debate.