Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 June 2017
1725. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his views on the recent leak of emissions at a location (details supplied); if he will report on the findings of the EPA regarding the incident; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28999/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra1726. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the actions being taken in the wake of the recent incident at a location (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29023/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra1727. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if a health and safety report is being carried out in the wake of the recent incident at a location (details supplied); when it will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29024/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1725 to 1727, inclusive, together.
Industrial Emissions installations are subject to a range of regulatory controls under national legislation, including the conditions attached to a licence issued by the Environmental Protection Agency on the operation and management of such sites. As Minister, I have no function in monitoring or enforcing the conditions attached to such licences and I am precluded from exercising any power or control in relation to the performance by the EPA, in particular circumstances, of a statutory function conferred on the Agency under the Environmental Protection Agency Act, 1992 as amended.
Health and safety in the workplace is not an issue under my remit as Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment.
Therefore, I have no role in relation to the operation of the facility in question, nor the investigation of such incidents. These are matters for the appropriate statutory agencies and I understand that the EPA and the Health and Safety Authority are both investigating the matter.
