Vol. 553 No. 2
631 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government when he will establish the office of environmental enforcement; the way in which this body will relate in its functions to existing agencies; and if legislation will be required. [13495/02]
An Agreed Programme for Government provides for the establishment of an Office of Environmental Enforcement to audit the performance of local authorities in discharging their environmental enforcement function, taking action against those lagging behind, and to monitor compliance by public authorities with their environmental obligations and prosecute cases where significant breaches of environmental legislation occur or assist local authorities in doing so. Work is now being initiated on the development of proposals in this regard, taking account, inter alia, of relevant responsibilities of existing agencies, and will be completed as soon as possible.
