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.