Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 July 2018
2064. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the action that has been taken to address the concerns regarding the low level of prosecutions of big business polluters raised in the review of the Environmental Protection Agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33858/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer to the replies to Questions No. 48 of 15 March 2017 and 497 of 3 October 2017.
In my reply in March 2017, I stated my view that rigorous implementation of environmental policy and legislation, underpinned by the principle of proportionality, is the appropriate approach to adopt in protecting our environment. The Environmental Protection Agency is the independent statutory body responsible for protecting the environment in Ireland and the agency performs a wide range of statutory functions in fulfilment of its mandate.
In my October 2017 reply to a separate question, I set out the position in relation to 15 recommendations from the 2011 review group report. The position on recommendation 7.3.1 was as follows: “As part of its enforcement policy, the EPA considers and uses a range of enforcement tools including issuing non-compliances to formal enforcement processes such as prosecutions. Details of prosecutions taken by the EPA are published on the EPA website www.epa.ie.” That position is unchanged.
On recommendation 7.3.1, I am satisfied that the agency is aware of and has regard to the deterrent effect of prosecution in cases where questions of enforcement action arise for consideration.
