Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding alleged atmospheric contamination by chem trails from jet airliners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38613/12]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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My Department has no knowledge of the alleged activities referred to in the Question. The monitoring, assessment and management of ambient air quality in Ireland is carried out in accordance with the requirements of the Clean Air for Europe (CAFÉ) Directive 2008/50/EC, which has been transposed into Irish law through the Air Quality Standards Regulations 2011. Under these Regulations, specific ambient air quality standards have been prescribed for a range of pollutants.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has responsibility for the monitoring of air quality in the State. The EPA continually monitors a range of atmospheric pollutants via a network of air quality monitoring stations located around the country. The EPA publishes the results of the air quality monitoring on its website at: . My Department keeps these data under ongoing review to identify any significant trends which might emerge and also meets periodically with the EPA to discuss air quality issues. Overall, air quality in Ireland continues to be of good quality and is amongst the best in Europe. In 2011, measured values for prescribed pollutants were all below limit and target values set out in national and EU legislation.