Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)

The tabular statement will be helpful because it is difficult to get a break down of cases, even if one goes to the European Commission. According to the European Commission's latest survey, carried out in 2006 on the 2005 position, Ireland was the third worst offender with regard to open infringement procedures relating to environmental law. Ireland was the fourth worst offender in cases that had already been ruled on by the European Court of Justice under European law.

We have a very bad record and I have put many parliamentary questions to find out the latest on particular cases. Today there is a parliamentary question relating to the Environmental Liability Act. It does not seem as though things have progressed much since the Minister came to office, though this is an issue he felt was important when he was in Opposition. Deputy Ciarán Cuffe said the judgment on the public participation directive was another black mark against Ireland relating to environmental law.

Dr. Mary Kelly of the Environmental Protection Agency said the EU has driven environmental law in Ireland. This issue revolves around people's right to a good environment, clean water and the things they should be able to take for granted. What will the Minister do to make a difference and make progress that will allow Ireland become a leader in Europe in terms of compliance with environmental law?

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