Vol. 492 No. 3
21 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the progress, if any, made to date in implementing the national sustainable development strategy; the structures, if any, he has put in place to advance the strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13741/98]
I refer the Deputy to the reply to Question No. 62 of 3 February 1998. Implementation of a range of measures necessary to progress to a more environmentally sustainable society is ongoing. This work is building, in a sharper and more focused way, on the analysis contained in the national strategy and the structures it outlined to support sustainable development. I am finalising arrangements for the establishment of the National Environment Partnership Forum. I believe the forum will be influential in further advancing the national agenda for sustainable development, at the core of which will be maximum participation by, and consultation with, sectoral interests, the social partners and NGOs.
I have now re-launched the Green Network of Government Departments, with senior representation, to deepen cross-Departmental commitment to the integration of environmental considerations into other sectors, and develop appropriate mechanisms in this regard including, in particular, a system for the eco-auditing of policies as provided for in An Action Programme for the Millennium. The designation of task managers, as provided for in Sustainable Development: A Strategy for Ireland, will also be an important mechanism in furthering national strategies for sustainable development.
