Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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42. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he considers that the independence and focus of the EPA is comprised and diluted by the fact that its functions and lines of accountability are spilt between departments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7450/23]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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Environmental protection policy falls primarily under the remit my Department, in conjunction with the Department for Housing, Local Government and Heritage (DHLGH) which has primary responsibility for water protection policy. The EPA is a key regulator in both these sectors and its relationship with and accountability to the two Departments is underpinned by a Performance Delivery Agreement. The PDA, which is reviewed annually, defines an agreed level of performance with the aim of providing efficient and effective delivery of public services to protect and improve our environment.