David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
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To follow up on a question asked by the previous speaker on international evidence and best practice, where do we rate as a state or country in Europe in respect of the overall management of air quality? I know we are putting a focus on this because of Covid-19. The witnesses expressed the view that air management and air quality was a greater issue than Covid. Obviously, in a pandemic it becomes a major issue to better manage air quality and prevent the spread of this virus. However, it has wider implications for the health of people and in other areas. In terms of the overall management of air quality where do we rank in Europe? Are there data? Have studies been done on how we rank? Is it correct to assume the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications has overall responsibility for the management of air quality? Has each Department responsibility in law to publish air management or air quality plans? Is there an obligation on each Department to manage this in their buildings and so on? Is that a requirement of each Department at this point?