Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for the question, which I hope will recur every time I am here because it is a matter of vital national importance and a regular update is necessary.

With regard to spending to date on EU Regulation 598/2014, I can advise the Deputy that as almost all of the work has been of a policy and legal nature, it has been carried out as part of the work of officials assigned to the relevant division of my Department and in the Attorney General's office. The legal advices have been provided by the Attorney General's office in the normal course of the service it provides to Departments. I am advised that my Department's accounting system does not capture the cost of staff time in handling individual elements of work in the way that would be required to respond to the Deputy's question in any more specific terms. I am also advised that my Department has not incurred any other costs associated with the regulation.

I understand the Irish Aviation Authority may have incurred some costs in the context of exploring its role in implementing the noise regulation, when that was an option being pursued. However, the company has not raised the matter of costs incurred with me or with my Department.

As regards Fingal County Council, and as I have stated previously, it will, of course, be provided with the necessary resources to carry out this additional function. Council officials have been told this directly and it will be reinforced in the draft legislation. As far as I am aware, Fingal County Council has not incurred any expense to date in regard to its role as the designated competent authority. Therefore, no funding has been provided to the council in regard to this role so far. This is something that can be reviewed as matters develop during the course of the year. No other organisation has received funding, nor do I envisage a circumstance in which any such matter may arise during the year.

I understand the Deputy is asking whether any costs have been or will be paid to the council. To give a very short response, at the moment no costs have been incurred but the Deputy should be reassured that resources will be made available by my Department where they are necessary.

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