Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 November 2004
507 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the matters which were discussed at the EU Environment Council meeting which was held in Luxembourg on 28 June 2004; the position taken by Ireland in respect of each item on the agenda; the outcome in respect of each item; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27131/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraA full report of the Environment Council meeting of 28 June 2004 is available on the council website (http://europa.eu.int/pol/env/index_en.htm).
The overriding objective of the Irish Presidency of the Environment Council was to continue to promote the EU's progressive approach to environmental protection and sustainable development. We pursued this objective in a number of ways including, in our role as chair of the council meetings, by seeking to stimulate debate with a view to reaching consensus.
The most significant outcomes of the meeting of 28 June 2004 were agreement on a draft directive on the sulphur content of marine fuels; agreement on a draft directive on the management of bathing water quality; the adoption of council conclusions on a thematic strategy on the prevention and recycling of waste and the adoption of council conclusions on halting the loss of biodiversity by 2010.
