Vol. 477 No. 5
34 Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment if he has supplied all the additional information sought by the European Commission in view of the proceedings currently pending before the European Commission regarding alleged breaches by Ireland of EU environmental directives; the progress, if any, made in these cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9718/97]
The relevant information is summarised in the following table.
Ireland's record of compliance with EU environmental legislation is creditable, as evidenced by recent Commission reports on implementation of Union legislation. It is our policy to respond constructively and substantially to correspondence from the Commission in this regard with a view to minimising formal legal proceedings.
Table
I — Court Proceedings
|
Directive |
Present Position |
|
|
1. |
Environmental Impact Assessment of certain public and private projects (85/337) |
Case being defended by Government |
|
2. |
Volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions (94/63/EC) |
Implementing Regulations in preparation |
|
3. |
The conservation of natural habitats (92/43/EC) |
Discussions with Commission at advanced stage with a view to closure of complaint |
|
4. |
Pollution caused by certain dangerous substances discharged into the aquatic environment (76/466/EC) |
Need for prescribing environmental quality objectives under consideration |
|
5. |
Air pollution by ozone (92/72/EC) |
Voluntary collection scheme launched; further measures in preparation |
|
6. |
Batteries and accumulators (91/157/EC) |
Voluntary collection scheme launched; further measures in preparation |
|
7. |
Protection of waters against pollution caused by nitrates from agricultural sources (91/676/EC) |
Report sent to Commission, February 1997 |
|
8. |
Protection of animals used for experimental and other scientific purposes (86/609/EC) |
Need for new primary legislation being considered by Department of Health |
|
9. |
Packaging and packaging waste (94/62/EC) |
Draft Regulations sent to Commission, February 1997 |
|
10. |
Emission of gaseaous and particulate pollutants from diesel engines for use in vehicles (96/166/EC) |
Implementing Regulations made November 1996 |
|
11. |
Permissible sound level and the exhaust system of motor vehicles (96/20/EC) |
Implementing Regulations in preparation |
|
12. |
Freedom of access to information on the environment (90/313/EEC) |
Commission letter received 25 February. Reply in preparation. |
