Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)

It is not practical to accept the amendment. Its effect could be to close down activities as no licensable activity could operate unless it produced no emissions. That might be a desirable objective, in principle, but in practical terms it is a non-runner. The title of the IPPC directive mentions pollution prevention and control. There is, therefore, an implied recognition that there will be emissions and that we must control them. There is an implicit recognition that all processes produce emissions in one form or another.

The objective of public policy, through the application of BAT and other measures in the Bill, is to prevent or eliminate emissions, where possible and, if that is not possible, to ensure they are effectively controlled to protect and enhance the environment. IPPC licensing is about continuous improvement in environmental performance and reduction in emissions where it is not practicable to prevent or eliminate an emission. BAT will work to minimise them and their impact on the environment.

Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.