Ciarán Cuffe (Dún Laoghaire, Green Party)
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Question 661: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will report on all actions taken by the European Court of Justice against the Government with regard to European directives that fall under his Department's remit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30589/05]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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There have been nine judgments against Ireland delivered by the European Court of Justice, which relate to areas for which my Department has responsibility. The Commission has indicated that another five cases are being referred to the court and four cases are before the court for a hearing. The Community legislation involved in these cases includes directives on environmental impact assessment, habitats, waste, waste water treatment, nitrates, drinking water quality, ground water, wild birds, dangerous substances and end-of-life vehicles; and a regulation on ozone depleting substances.

On foot of any judgment against it by the European Court of Justice, the member state concerned must take the necessary steps to satisfy the judgement. Failing this, it is open to the European Commission to apply to the court for the imposition of financial penalties on the member state concerned. No such penalties have been imposed in relation to cases involving Ireland and my Department is working intensively, in conjunction with the local authorities and other relevant agencies, to ensure that all outstanding judgments are satisfied so as to avoid the possibility of penalties in the future.