Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)

I have asked for this matter to be expedited and expect to have proposals very shortly as to how we can achieve that early in the legislative programme, between now and the summer recess. The main issues that remain to be addressed relate to Article 9 of the convention, on concern regarding access to justice. There is a need to ensure that all members of the public have access to review procedures in order to be able to challenge decisions relating to the environment made by public bodies or private persons. These procedures are being examined by the Office of the Attorney General with a view to making the necessary changes.

I understand a technical amendment is required to the Environmental Protection Agency 1992 Act to require state of the environment reports to be prepared every four years rather than the present five, and for the changing of the legal threshold that applicants for judicial review must meet in planning cases. A sufficient interest must be demonstrated in order to trigger those judicial reviews. Those amendments are necessary and are currently being examined by the Attorney General's office so they meet the requirements set out by the Deputy about public participation in decision making and access to information.

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