Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 5 Jul 2001

Vol. 540 No. 3

Written Answers. - EU Directives.

Ulick Burke

Ceist:

249 Mr. U. Burke asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands her views on the recent EU opinion from the Advocate General Leger in relation to case C67/99 of 3/5/01 against Ireland and the resultant criticism of the implementation of the Habitats Directive by her Department; and her further views on the Government's defence to this case; if it was stated in this defence that Ireland did not host priority species; if it is possible for a copy of this defence to be provided; and if it has ever occurred that the EU Court disagreed with the opinion of the Advocate General. [20571/01]

Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands (Miss de Valera)

I refer the Deputy to my reply to Questions Nos. 221 and 222 of yesterday. I understand that only rarely does the court's judgment vary in any way the opinion of the Advocate General. It is correct to say that Ireland does not host any priority species as listed under Annex 11 of the EU Habitats Directive. A copy of Ireland's defence in the case referred to will be made available to the Deputy.