Vol. 417 No. 6
51 Mr. Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment whether Ireland is slower to implement various EC Directives in respect of the environment than other member states; and if he will outline the way in which he intends to improve the situation and our image in this regard.
There is no comparative evidence that Ireland is slow to implement EC Directives on the environment. These directives, where appropriate, are given statutory effect in Ireland by regulations made under specific national legislation or under the European Communities Act, 1972.
52 Mr. Connor asked the Minister for the Environment the reasons for the litigation initiated by the Environment Commissioner Ripa Di Meana against Ireland for non-compliance with the 1985 Environment Impact Directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
No such litigation has been initiated. However, the Commission has written to Ireland about certain aspects of the transportation into national law of Directive 85/337 on Environmental Impact Assessment. A full response will be transmitted to the Commission shortly.
