Mr. Dara Lynott:

We have close relations with IBEC and its subgroup, known as the pharmachem group, which consists of representatives of that industry. We have a licensing regime. The industrial emissions directive is the latest directive that will regulate these activities. They have been regulated with us since 1995 or 1996. We have had a fairly good record. Pharmachem companies tend to have the infrastructure, the know-how and the money to support their efforts to comply with environmental regulations. When we roll out new regulations such as the industrial emissions directive, we meet representatives of IBEC in the first instance to outline our plan of action, set out what we intend to do, explain how we intend to consult and invite them to come back to us if they have any particular issues. Obviously, we have discretion about the methodology we employ in implementing European law, which we are ultimately required to do. We have discretion regarding types of licences, forms of guidance and means of getting information from industry. Unfortunately, a number of the environmental objectives are set in Europe. We have to apply them. In the case of the objective pertaining to the harbour in Ringaskiddy, for example, we have to ensure the quality of the discharge is such that it will not result in the degradation of the quality standards set for Cork Harbour.