Kevin Humphreys (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I want to raise with the Leader the actions by the Environmental Protection Agency in seeking a delay in the implementation of EU air pollution limits for Moneypoint power station and for other gas and fuel plants. The EPA has also pushed for an exemption that would allow the Edenderry power plant to exceed the new sulphur dioxide limits. In addition, the agency has opposed proposals for more stringent standards. This is very troubling and alarming. The EPA's mission statement is to improve the environment as a valuable asset for the people of Ireland. The agency is tasked with protecting citizens' health. I am deeply concerned that the EPA is looking for a lowering of those standards.

I want to ascertain - perhaps the Leader could find out from the Minister - if the EPA is acting alone in this matter. Is the agency acting at the request of the Government or is it acting under the direction of the Minister? If so, it would be a worrying development. The EPA is seen as a safety net. An incinerator is being built in the area where I live in Dublin and the EPA is going to be tasked with monitoring this and making sure it lives up to a very high standard of quality within the area. I am worried because I read in The Sunday Timesat the weekend that the EPA is proposing a lower standard than that proposed by the EU.

Perhaps the Leader could find out and report back to the House, on whose behalf the EPA is acting and why it is acting in this manner. The health of the citizens in Clare or around Edenderry is as important as anywhere else. I want to see why the EPA is acting in this manner.