Mary Ann O'Brien (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I propose an amendment to the Order of Business to call in the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Kelly, to discuss the EPA. There is a considerable amount to say and I think some other Senators will support me. Last week's "Prime Time" programme contained a very good report on Portlaoise. Senator Whelan has worked hard on this issue and I congratulate him. For 15 years, the residents around the Enva plant in Portlaoise have suffered from the effects of noxious fumes. They are powerless, as is Senator Whelan, to get anything done about it.Members will know from the debate on the Environment (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill last summer that we tried to table an amendment to it to raise the issue of the immunity that protects the EPA under section 15 of the Act, which indemnifies the director general, other directors and authorised persons against legal action. The residents living in the vicinity of that plant have been trying to get their voices heard for 15 years but such immunity protects the group which controls our environment. We are discussing the issue of flooding but air quality is becoming an issue we must think about every day. We must make a huge commitment to our environment from here on in. It ranks high up there with jobs and health because we are talking about the future of the health of our population and the future of our country for future generations. We can no longer ignore the environment. The Minister, Deputy Kelly must intervene.

During the past five years as a Member of this House, I have represented a group with respect to the Aughinish plant. There is a nightmare scenario in that location.