Vol. 441 No. 1
97 Mr. Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment if his attention has been drawn to a report of the chairman of a panel of experts advising Ministers on urban air quality in the United Kingdom wherein he warns that minute particles given off when diesel fuel is burned may be causing heart and lung failure, strokes and cancer; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Wexford): I am aware of a recent UK report on Diesel Vehicle Emissions and Urban Air Quality.
Stricter vehicle emission controls, in line with relevant EU Directives, have been implemented in Ireland under the European Communities (Mechanically Propelled Vehicle Emission Control) Regulations, 1992 and the European Communities (Mechanically Propelled Vehicle Emission Control) Regulations, 1993. These address diesel as well as petrol engined vehicles and inter alia envisage the compulsory fitting of oxidation catalysts to certain diesel vehicles from 1997.
The sulphur content of diesel has been progressively reduced and further significant reductions will take effect from October 1994 and October 1996. Vehicle emission controls generally are under continuing review at EU level with a view to minimising impacts on human health and the environment. A further stage of emission reductions is due to commence from 1996.
