John Whelan (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I respect that the Minister of State is replying on behalf of the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Phil Hogan, but my fears are not in any way allayed. I accept that the EPA is an independent regulatory authority. I am saying it is not doing its job. Are we now saying there is no ministerial or Government oversight of this agency or authority? The agency is turning a blind eye to what is going on in Portlaoise. Why has the EPA not taken any action and allowed Enva to continue to release unlicensed, hazardous and harmful emissions from the plant? I assure the Minister of State that I appreciate her response but I will be taking this further. I will be calling on the Minister to conduct an inquiry into the matter and to bring in the director general of the EPA to be held to account. What is unfolding in Portlaoise is not acceptable and must be brought to a halt. People's concerns are genuine and they must be listened to. This has been going on for the past 15 years and it must be brought to a halt now.