Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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Question 306: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps taken to ensure that Ireland implements the Seveso Directive 2003/105/EC on the control of major accidents involving dangerous substances following the formal notice sent to Ireland from the European Commission on 23 March 2007 and in particular to meet the requirement that three outstanding establishments of 23 in total here prepare emergency plans under Article 9 of the directive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20800/08]

Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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Question 307: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position regarding the 23 establishments that are required to prepare emergency plans under Article 9 of the Seveso Directive; the plans that have been prepared and which are outstanding in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20801/08]

Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 306 and 307 together.

Council Directive 96/82/EC on the control of major-accident hazards involving dangerous substances as amended by Directive 2003/105/EC, [known as the Seveso Directive], applies to all establishments where the inventory of dangerous substances exceeds specified thresholds. I am informed by the Health and Safety Authority that there are currently 90 such establishments notified to it. Of these, 32 are classified as "upper tier", and as such, in accordance with Article 11 of the Directive, require that external emergency plans be prepared.

The European Commission issued a Reasoned Opinion to Ireland on 23 October 2007, concerning the failure by Ireland to draw up such external emergency plans in respect of 11 establishments. The authorities in Ireland responsible for drawing up these external emergency plans are designated pursuant to the European Communities [Control of Major Accident Hazards] Regulations 2006, S.I. No. 74 of 2006. These include Local Authorities, an Garda Síochána and the Health Services Executive. I am informed that all but one external emergency plans are in place. In relation to the one outstanding plan, I am informed that it is expected that the plan will be finalised before the end of next month.