Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As I have said earlier, it was important that the regulatory framework to control the sale and burning of solid fuels in the State was in place before the introduction of the carbon tax on solid fuel. The framework is in place now, as are the environmental standards for coal supplied in the State. The enforcement of these environmental standards is the responsibility of local authorities. Local authorities have powers to inspect vehicles and premises being used for the sale and distribution of solid fuels. It seems, therefore, that there needs to be a tightening up of the inspection and standards at local level. This is a matter for the local authorities as the powers of inspection have been given to them under the regulations. For my part, I will instruct my officials to continue to engage with the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment in this regard.