Vol. 469 No. 5
128 Mr. Dempsey asked the Minister for the Environment the progress, if any, made on the proposal for a directive on the quality of drinking water in view of the fact that this is a stated priority during Ireland's Presidency of the EU concerning environmental policy in the union. [17811/96]
Discussions on the European Commission's proposal to revise Council Directive 80/778/EEC of 15 July 1980 relating to the quality of water intended for human consumption commenced in July. The proposal seeks to improve and strengthen the existing Directive, in particular, by providing a basis for a more effective control regime with a greater focus on the protection of human health. An orientation debate on key issues arising under the proposal, as identified by the Presidency, will take place at the Environment Council on 15 October.
