Written answers

Tuesday, 27 February 2007

Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government

EU Directives

9:00 pm

Photo of Denis NaughtenDenis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
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Question 545: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, further to Parliamentary Question No. 1866 of 31 January 2007, his views on the proposed EU soil directive; if it is supported or opposed by the Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7245/07]

Photo of Denis NaughtenDenis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
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Question 546: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the submissions made by his officials regarding the proposed EU soil directive; if no submissions have been made; the reason thereof; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7246/07]

Photo of Denis NaughtenDenis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
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Question 547: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his Department has considered the cost implications of the introduction of the proposed EU soil directive; the estimated costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7247/07]

Photo of Denis NaughtenDenis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
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Question 548: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the legal basis of the proposed EU soil directive; if it will be based on the principle of subsidiarity or unanimity; his preference in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7248/07]

Photo of Dick RocheDick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 545 to 548, inclusive, together.

Consideration of the EU Commission's proposal for a directive establishing a framework for the protection of soil is in the early stages. In general the Government welcomes the proposal, accepts that it is appropriate to have an EU-wide initiative, but that given the diverse nature and conditions of soils in Member States, policies should be flexible and adaptable. While the Commission's Impact Assessment of the proposal outlines, among other issues, the possible costs across the EU the analysis of the cost implications for Ireland has not yet been completed.

The legal basis for the proposed directive is article 175 of the Treaty and the Council would make a decision on it acting by qualified majority.

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