Denis Landy (Labour) | Oireachtas source

Then along came the EPA. Previously, the local authorities, which were self-regulating, gave licences to companies such as Aughinish Alumina and Merck Sharp & Dohme and monitored them annually. Then the State decided that we needed an agency to do the monitoring and take it from the local authorities. At the time, I thought it was a very good idea, given that it would remove local personalities, knowledge and friendships from the process and move licensing to a national level. However, I discovered issues such as the tailings ponds outside Nenagh and many other places where waste was allowed to gather. The agency charged with monitoring it was not doing its job.

When I came to Seanad Éireann, I met Senator John Whelan, who told me about what was happening in Enva in Laois, Senator Tony Mulcahy, who told me what was happening in the same company in Clare, and our friends in the Visitors' Gallery, who told me what was happening in their area. It all pointed in one direction - namely, that the people charged with monitoring, examining and ensuring that the proper rules and regulations were complied with did not seem to be doing their jobs. I have had discussions with Senator Mary Ann O'Brien on the issue. The amendment is the culmination of much work and several weeks of discussion inside and outside the House. I have spoken to the Minister of State on a number of occasions and asked her to consider the amendment. Whether the people making the claims and allegations prove to be correct is not what is entailed in this amendment. It is that the legislation enacted would ensure that the proper monitoring of citizens, communities and, in this case, animals is safeguarded. We need to see that in black and white, and we need this report being requested in the amendment to be delivered. I ask the Minister to respond favourably to this amendment because it is in the interests of all the citizens that we get this right. It is something we have not got right for a while.