Committee Reports > List of Committees > Joint > 2006 > Committee on Environment and Local Government > Annual Report of the Joint Committee on Environment and Local Government, 2005

APPENDIX 5

Minutes of the Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Joint Committee on Environment and Local Government

Minutes of meeting

19^th January, 2005

1.The Joint Committee met in at 2.39 p.m. in Committee Room 3, Leinster House 2000.

2.Attendance: Deputies S. Haughey (in the chair), J. Cregan, É. Gilmore, T Hayes (as substitute for F. O Dowd), P McCormack, D Moynihan and T. Sargent (as substitute for C Cuffe); and Senators J. Bannon, C. Brady, M. Brennan, M. Cummins (as substitute for J. Bannon), G. Feeney (as substitute for C. Brady), M Kitt and M. McCarthy.

Also in attendance:- Senator P. Coghlan.

Apologies were received from Deputies J. Moloney and F. O Dowd.

3.Presentation in relation to the proposed M3 motorway through Tara/Skryne Valley

Members were minded by the Chairman that the Joint Committee on Transport recently invited submissions on the proposed motorway and that the official responsibility of the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, who attended a meeting of the Committee on 8 December last, was in relation to the archaeological sites only.

Contributors were invited to address the specific issues relating to individual archaeological sites along the proposed route. It was agreed to send a transcript of today’s proceedings to the Minister to assist him with his deliberations.

The Joint Committee then heard presentations from Ms Julitta Clancy, Fr. Gerard Rice and Claire Oakes representing the Meath Archaeological and Historical Society and the Tara Heritage Group; Mr Joe Fenwick, Dr Edel Breathnach and Mr Conor Newman; Mr Vincent Salafia and Dr Muireann Ni Bhrolachain; Mr Brendan Magee representing the Meath Road Action Umbrella Group and Professor George Eogan representing the Discovery Programme regarding the archaeological significance of the Tara/Skryne Valley.

Following each presentation the Chairman invited questions from the Members. When the presentations were concluded the Chairman thanked the delegations.

4.Minutes of 8^th December, 2004

The minutes of the previous meeting, held on 8^th December, 2004 were agreed.

5.Reports of Recent Travel Delegations

This item was dealt with in Private Session

6.Travel Proposal

This item was dealt with in Private Session

7.Any Other Business

This item was dealt with in Private Session

8.Adjournment

The Joint Committee adjourned at 4.20 p.m. until 2.30 p.m. on Wednesday 2^nd February, 2005.

_______________

Seán Haughey, T.D.,

Chairman.

January, 2005

Joint Committee on Environment and Local Government

Minutes of meeting

2^nd February, 2005

1.The Joint Committee met in at 2.32 p.m. in Committee Room 3, Leinster House 2000.

2.Attendance: Deputies S. Haughey (in the chair), J. Cregan, É. Gilmore, N. Grealish, J. Healy-Rae, B. Kelleher, F. O Dowd, P McCormack, D Moynihan and C Cuffe; and Senators J. Bannon, C. Brady and M. Brennan.

Also in attendance:- Deputy T Sargent and Deputy A. Morgan.

3.Proposed M3 motorway through Tara/Skryne Valley

Prior to the presentations referred to below a letter from Dr Patrick Wallace, Director of the National Museum, declining the invitation to attend the meeting was read. It was also noted that the Chief Archaeologist of the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government had also declined an invitation to attend. Following discussion, it was agreed that the Chairman would write to the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism and the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government expressing the Committee’s disappointment at the failure of the two officials to attend and seeking to ensure their attendance at a future meeting.

The Joint Committee heard presentations from Dr Brian Lacey of the Discovery Programme and Mr Michael Starrett and Mr Ian Doyle of the Heritage Council regarding the archaeological significance of the Tara/Skryne Valley.

Following each presentation there was a question and answer session with the Members.

It was agreed to send a transcript of the proceedings to the Minister to assist him with his deliberations.

4.Scrutiny of E.U. Legislation

The following proposals which were forwarded for information by the sub-Committee on European Scrutiny were noted by the Committee:

COM(2004)677 — Proposal for a Council Decision to establish a Joint Consultative Committee comprised of local and regional authorities from Romania and the EU.

COM(2004)634 — Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning the establishment of a European Pollutant Release and Transfer Register and amending Council Directives 91/689/EEC and 96/61/EC.

COM(2004)635 — Proposal for a Council Decision on the conclusion, on behalf of the European of a European Pollutant Release and Transfer Register.

COM(2004)624 — Proposal for a Council Regulation concerning the implementation Protocol No. 4 and Protocol No. 9 in relation to the Ignalina nuclear plant in Lithuania and the Bohunice VI plant in Slovakia.

In relation to proposals on which the sub-Committee on European Scrutiny recommended that there should be further scrutiny, the following decisions were reached:

COM(2004)621 - Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning the Financial Instrument for the Environment (LIFE+)

It was agreed that an invitation would be extended to officials of the Department to brief the Committee on the proposal.

COM(2004)606 — Proposal for a Council Decision amending Decision 2002/95/EC for the purposes of establishing the maximum concentration values for certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment.

It was agreed that no further scrutiny is required.

6.Minutes of last meeting

The minutes of the meeting of 19^th January 2005 were agreed.

7.Correspondence

This item was dealt with in Private Session

8.Any Other Business

This item was dealt with in Private Session

9.Adjournment

The Joint Committee adjourned at 4.10 p.m. until 10.30 a.m. on Wednesday 9^th February, 2005.

_______________

Seán Haughey, T.D.,

Chairman.

February, 2005

Joint Committee on Environment and Local Government

Minutes of meeting

9^th February, 2005

1.The Joint Committee met in at 10.30 a.m. in Committee Room 2, Leinster House 2000.

2.Attendance: Deputies S. Haughey (in the chair), J. Cregan, É. Gilmore, N. Grealish, J. Healy-Rae, N O’Keeffe (as substitute for B. Kelleher), F. O Dowd, P McCormack, D Moynihan and C Cuffe; and Senators J. Bannon, C. Brady and M. Brennan.

Also in attendance:- Deputy T Hayes and Senator P Calnan.

3.Minutes of last meeting

The minutes of the meeting of 2^nd February 2005 were agreed.

4.Correspondence

This item was dealt with in Private Session

5.Draft Work Programme for 2005

This item was dealt with in Private Session.

6.Report on visit to Buenos Aires

This item was dealt with in Private Session.

7.Conference travel

This item was dealt with in Private Session.

8.Presentation on the Nitrates Directive

The Joint Committee heard presentations from Mr Tom Corcoran and Mr Tim Morris of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Mr Michael O’Donovan and Mr Matt Sinnott of the Department of Agriculture and Food, Dr Seamus Crosse and Mr Sean Regan of Teagasc and Dr Paul Toner, Dr Matthew Crowe, Mr Larry Stapleton and Mr Dara Lynott of the Environmental Protection Agency regarding the current position of the Nitrates Directive.

Following the presentations there was a question and answer session with the Members.

9.Suspension of meeting

The meeting was suspended at 11.45 a.m. for 20 minutes.

10.Presentation on the Nitrates Directive

The Question and Answer session in relation to the issue of the Nitrates Directive was resumed at 12.07 p.m.

11.Any Other Business

This item was dealt with in Private Session.

12.Adjournment

The Joint Committee adjourned at 12.30 p.m. until 2.30 p.m. on Wednesday 16^th February 2005.

_______________

Seán Haughey, T.D.,

Chairman.

February, 2005

Joint Committee on Environment and Local Government

Minutes of meeting

16^th February, 2005

1.The Joint Committee met in at 2.32 p.m. in Committee Room 3, Leinster House 2000.

2.Attendance: Deputies S. Haughey (in the chair), J. Cregan, É. Gilmore, J. Healy-Rae, J. Maloney, F. O Dowd, D Moynihan and C Cuffe; and Senators J. Bannon, C. Brady and M. Brennan.

Also in attendance:- Deputy A Morgan, Deputy Ned O’Keeffe, Deputy J. Glennon and Senator P Coghlan.

3.Minutes of last meeting

The minutes of the meeting of 9^th February 2005 were agreed.

Reference was made to correspondence from Cappagh Farmers Support Group. It was agreed that the Clerk would ascertain the legal position regarding attendance of this body as the matter may be sub-judice.

4.Correspondence

This item was dealt with in private session

5.Work Programme for 2005

This item was dealt with in private session

6.Presentation on the Retail Planning Guidelines

The Joint Committee heard presentations from Ms Tara Buckley of RGDATA and Mr Tom O’Connor, Mr James Goulding and Ms Catherine Sheils of the Irish Hardware and Building Materials Association regarding the issue of the Retail Planning Guidelines.

Following the presentations there was a question and answer session with the Members.

7.Suspension of meeting

The meeting was suspended at 3.48 p.m.

8.Resumption of meeting

The meeting was resumed at 3.50 p.m.

9.Any Other Business

This item was dealt with in private session

10.Adjournment

The Joint Committee adjourned at 3.52 p.m. until 2.30 p.m. on Thursday 24^th February 2005.

_______________

Seán Haughey, T.D.,

Chairman.

February, 2005

Joint Committee on Environment and Local Government

Minutes of meeting

24^th February, 2005

1.The Joint Committee met in at 2.45 p.m. in Committee Room 4, Leinster House 2000.

2.Attendance: Deputies S. Haughey (in the chair), J. Cregan, É. Gilmore, D Moynihan, P Breen (as substitute for P McCormack) and C Cuffe; and Senators J. Bannon, C Glynn and P Callanan (as substitutes for C Brady) and M. Brennan.

3.Minutes of last meeting

The minutes of the meeting of 16^th February 2005 were agreed.

4.Correspondence

This item was dealt with in Private Session.

5.Invitation to Dr Patrick Wallace, Director of the National Museum

Following discussion on correspondence received from the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism in reply to the Chairman’s letter of 8^th February 2005 conveying the disappointment and concern of the Committee at the non-attendance of Dr Patrick Wallace, Director of the National Museum at the meeting of 2^nd February 2005, it was agreed that a letter of invitation should issue to Dr Wallace asking him to attend as witness before the Committee after he has discharged his statutory responsibilities to the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in the matter of the proposed M3 motorway. It was also agreed that a letter should be sent to the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government requesting that the expedition of a decision to be taken under Section 14 of the National Monuments Act 1930, as substituted by Section 5 of the National Monuments Act 2004.

6.Presentation on the Nitrates Directive

The Joint Committee heard presentations from Mr John Dillon, Mr Rory Deasy, Mr Michael Berkery, Mr Jim Devlin and Mr Tom Dunne of the Irish Farmers Association and Mr Sean O Sullivan, Mr Seamus O Mahony and Mr John O Donovan representing Cork Co-Operative Marts Ltd, Carbery Milk Products Ltd and Barryroe Co-Operative Society Ltd respectively regarding the issue of the Nitrates Directive.

Following the presentations there was a question and answer session with the Members.

7.Any Other Business

This item was dealt with in Private Session.

8.Adjournment

The Joint Committee adjourned at 4.30 p.m. until 2.30 p.m. on Wednesday 2^nd March 2005.

_______________

Seán Haughey, T.D.,

Chairman.

February, 2005

Joint Committee on Environment and Local Government

Minutes of meeting

2^nd March, 2005

1.The Joint Committee met in at 2.33 p.m. in Committee Room 3, Leinster House 2000.

2.Attendance: Deputies S. Haughey (in the chair), J. Cregan, J Healy-Rae, É. Gilmore, B Kelleher, J Moloney, D Moynihan and C Cuffe; and Senators J. Bannon, C Brady and M. Brennan.

3.Minutes of last meeting

The minutes of the meeting of 24^th February 2005 were agreed.

4.Correspondence

This item was dealt with in Private Session

5.Presentation on the M3 Motorway

The Joint Committee heard presentations from Mr Tadhg Donnelly and Mr Frank Cosgrave of the Meath Citizens for the M3 and Ms Adrienne Bowen, Ms Penny McGowan, and Mr Michael Cassidy representing the Meath Chambers of Commerce regarding the issue of the proposed M3 Motorway.

6.Any Other Business

No items were raised under any other business.

7.Adjournment

The Joint Committee adjourned at 3.53 p.m. until 2.30 p.m. on Tuesday 9^th March 2005.

_______________

Seán Haughey, T.D.,

Chairman.

March, 2005

Joint Committee on Environment and Local Government

Minutes of meeting

8^th March, 2005

1.The Joint Committee met in at 2.34 p.m. in Committee Room 3, Leinster House 2000.

2.Attendance: Deputies S. Haughey (in the chair), J. Cregan, J Healy-Rae, É. Gilmore, B Kelleher, J Moloney, F O’Dowd, D Moynihan and C Cuffe; and Senators J. Bannon, C Brady and M. Brennan.

3.Ministerial Presentation

The Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government briefed the Joint Committee prior to his attendance at the E.U. Environment Council meeting on 10^th March 2005. A Question and Answer session with members followed the briefing.

4.Minutes of last meeting

The minutes of the meeting of 2^nd March 2005 were agreed.

5.Annual Report 2004

This item was dealt with in Private Session.

6.Correspondence

This item was dealt with in Private Session.

7.Any Other Business

This item was dealt with in Private Session.

8.Adjournment

The Joint Committee adjourned at 3.46 p.m. sine die.

_______________

Seán Haughey, T.D.,

Chairman.

March, 2005

Joint Committee on Environment and Local Government

Minutes of meeting

6^th April, 2005

1.The Joint Committee met in at 10.07 a.m. in Committee Room 2, Leinster House 2000.

2.Attendance: Deputies S. Haughey (in the chair), J. Cregan, É. Gilmore, J Moloney, P. Breen (as substitute for F O’Dowd), P McCormack, D Moynihan and C Cuffe; and Senators M McCarthy, M. Kitt and K Phelan (as substitutes for C Brady) and M. Brennan.

3.Minutes of last meeting

The minutes of the meeting of 8^th March 2005 were agreed.

4.Correspondence

This item was dealt with in Private Session.

5.Presentation by Century Homes Ltd and Construct Ireland magazine

The Committee heard a presentation on the topic of energy performance and construction in Ireland from Mr Gerry McCaughey and Mr Jack Murray representing Century Homes Ltd and Mr Jeff Colley and Mr Bill Quigley representing Construct Ireland magazine. A Question and Answer session with members followed the briefing.

6.Any Other Business

No items of other business were raised.

7.Adjournment

The Joint Committee adjourned at 11.40 a.m. until Wednesday 13^th April at 2.30 p.m..

_______________

Seán Haughey, T.D.,

Chairman.

April, 2005

Joint Committee on Environment and Local Government

Minutes of meeting

13^th April, 2005

1.The Joint Committee met in at 11.04 a.m. in Committee Room 1, Leinster House 2000.

2.Attendance: Deputies S. Haughey (in the chair), J. Cregan, É. Gilmore, J Healy-Rae, B Kelleher, D Moynihan and C Cuffe; and Senators C Brady and M. Brennan.

Also in attendance was Deputy A Morgan.

3.Change in Order of Agenda

It was agreed that item 3 on the agenda, the presentation by the National Social and Economic Council, would be taken first and that other business would subsequently be taken in private session.

4.Presentation by the National Economic and Social Council

The Committee heard a presentation from Dr Rory O’Donnell, Director of the National Economic and Social Council on its report entitled “Housing in Ireland: Performance and Policy”. A Question and Answer session with members followed the briefing.

5.Minutes of last meeting

The minutes of the meeting of 16^th April 2005 were agreed.

6.Correspondence

This item was dealt with in Private Session

7.Any Other Business

This item was dealt with in Private Session

8.Adjournment

The Joint Committee adjourned at 12.43p.m. until Wednesday 27^th April at 2.30 p.m..

_______________

Seán Haughey, T.D.,

Chairman.

27^th April, 2005

Joint Committee on Environment and Local Government

Minutes of meeting

27^th April, 2005

1.The Joint Committee met in at 2.33 p.m. in Committee Room 2, Leinster House 2000.

2.Attendance: Deputies S. Haughey (in the chair), J. Cregan, F. O’Dowd, P McCormack, N. Grealish, B Kelleher, D Moynihan and C Cuffe; and Senators C Brady and M. Brennan.

Apologies were received from Deputy E Gilmore.

Also in attendance were Deputies F O’Malley and T Sargent.

3.Minutes of last meeting

The minutes of the meeting of 13^th April 2005 were agreed.

4.Correspondence

This item was dealt with in Private Session

5.Travel Proposal

This item was dealt with in Private Session.

6.Presentations by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and the Irish Concrete Federation

The Committee heard presentations on the topic of building standards and energy performance and construction in Ireland from officials of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government as well as Mr John Maguire and Mr Alan Haugh representing the Irish Concrete Federation. A Question and Answer session with members followed each presentation.

7.Any Other Business

No items of other business were raised.

8.Adjournment

The Joint Committee adjourned at 4.28 p.m. until Wednesday 11^th May at 2.30 p.m..

_______________

Seán Haughey, T.D.,

Chairman.

May, 2005

Joint Committee on Environment and Local Government

Minutes of meeting

11^th May, 2005

1.The Joint Committee met in at 4.01 p.m. in Committee Room 3, Leinster House 2000.

2.Attendance: Deputies S. Haughey (in the chair), J. Cregan, F. O’Dowd, B Kelleher, J Healy-Rae, E Stagg (as substitute for E Gilmore) and C Cuffe; and Senators C Brady and M. Brennan.

Also in attendance was Deputy A Morgan.

3.Minutes of last meeting

The minutes of the meeting of 27^th April 2005 were agreed.

4.Correspondence

This item was dealt with in Private Session

6.Presentation by the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland

The Committee agreed that the script of the presentation submitted by the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland should be made available to members of the media present in the public gallery.

The Committee then heard a presentation by the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland represented by Dr Ann McGarry, Dr Tony Colgan, Mr David Pollard and Dr Tom Ryan on its 2003 Annual Report and Accounts and the Report of the RPII Visit to BNFL Sellafield. A Question and Answer session with members followed the presentation.

7.Suspension of Meeting

It was agreed that the meeting be suspended at 4.29 p.m. to allow members participate in a Dáil Division.

8.Resumption of Meeting

The meeting resumed at 4.46 p.m. with a continuation of the question and answer session on the presentation by the R.P.I.I.

9.Any Other Business

This item was dealt with in Private Session

10.Adjournment

The Joint Committee adjourned at 6.18 p.m. until Wednesday 25^th May at 2.30 p.m.

_____________

Seán Haughey, T.D.,

Chairman.

22^nd June, 2005

Joint Committee on Environment and Local Government

Minutes of meeting

25^th May, 2005

1.The Joint Committee met in at 2.30 p.m. in Committee Room 3, Leinster House 2000.

2.Attendance: Deputies S. Haughey (in the chair), J. Cregan, F. O’Dowd, B Kelleher, J Healy-Rae, E Gilmore and D Moynihan; and Senators C Brady, J Bannon and M. Brennan.

Also in attendance were Deputies A Morgan, M Harkin, J Ellis and J Perry.

3.Presentation by the Save Leitrim Group

The Joint Committee heard a presentation by the Save Leitrim Group represented by Mr Cormac Ó Suilleabháin, Mr Odran Flynn and Mr Gareth McDaid on the Electoral (Amendment) Bill 2005, the Committee Stage to be taken by the Select Committee on that same day. A Question and Answer session with members followed the presentation.

4.Any Other Business

No other item was raised under this heading

5.Adjournment

The Joint Committee adjourned at 3.29 p.m. until Tuesday 31^st May at 4.30 p.m.

_______________

Seán Haughey, T.D.,

Chairman.

22^nd June, 2005

Joint Committee on Environment and Local Government

Minutes of meeting

31st May, 2005

1.The Joint Committee met in at 4.33 p.m. in Committee Room 3, Leinster House 2000.

2.Attendance:

Deputies S. Haughey (in the chair), J. Cregan, J Healy-Rae, E Gilmore, C Cuffe, Donal Moynihan and John Moloney;

Senators C Brady and M. Brennan.

Also in attendance was Deputy A Morgan.

3.Motion on the Waste Management (Electrical and Electronic Equipment) Regulations 2005

The Minister for Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government outlined the purpose of the draft Waste Management (Electrical and Electronic Equipment) Regulations 2005. This transposes the EU Directives on Waste Electronic and Electrical Equipment (WEEE) and the Restriction of Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic equipment (RoHS) into Irish law.

Deputies Seán Haughey (in the Chair), Ciarán Cuffe, Éamon Gilmore, members of the Committee and Deputy Arthur Morgan, not a member of the Committee, together with Senators Cyprian Brady and Michael Brennan, members of the Committee, contributed to the debate which.

The Joint Committee agreed to report back to Dáil Éireann and Seanad Éireann to the effect that it had completed its consideration of the draft order. A formal message in the manner prescribed in Standing Order 84 (2) and in accordance with Standing Order 85 is being sent separately to the Clerk of the Dáil. A formal message in the manner prescribed in Standing Order 67 and in accordance with Standing Order 69 (2) is being sent separately to the Clerk of the Seanad.

4.Suspension of Meeting

It was agreed that the meeting be suspended for 10 minutes to allow the Clerk prepare a report on the motion. During the suspension a Dáil Division was called.

5.Resumption of Meeting and Report on Motion re: The Waste Management (Electrical and Electronic Equipment) Regulations 2005

The Chairman resumed the meeting. The report on the motion was agreed.

6.Any Other Business

The Chairman proposed, and the Committee agreed, that the Joint Committee should examine the issue of recycling of household waste in Ireland. This would require the placing of a notice in the national newspapers inviting submissions on this topic. The Chairman also proposed, and the Committee agreed, that the Clerk should write to the Local Authority in each county seeking the current position in that county as well as the future plans the individual local authority has in this area. This and the selected submissions would form the basis for a series of hearings by the Committee with a view to eventually publishing a report on the issue.

7.Adjournment

The Joint Committee adjourned at 6.21 p.m.

_______________

Seán Haughey, T.D.,

Chairman.

22^nd June, 2005

Joint Committee on Environment and Local Government

Minutes of meeting

8^th June, 2005

1.The Joint Committee met in at 2.32 p.m. in Committee Room 3, Leinster House 2000.

2.Attendance: Deputies S. Haughey (in the chair), D. Naughten (as substitute for F. O’Dowd), E Gilmore, P. McCormack, J. Moloney, D. Moynihan and C. Cuffe; and Senators J. Bannon, C Brady and M. Brennan.

Also in attendance was Senator M Kitt.

3.Minutes of meetings of 11^th May, 25^th May and 31^st May

The minutes of the meetings of 11^th, 25^th and 31^st May 2005 were agreed.

4.Correspondence

This item was dealt with in Private Session

5.Reports of Recent Travel Delegations

This item was dealt with in Private Session

6.Presentation by the National Wetlands Wilderness Park Committee

The Committee heard a presentation by the National Wetlands Wilderness Park Committee represented by Mr John Fallon, Mr Bernard Steele, Mr Sean Beirne and Mr John Leavy on the proposal for a national wetlands wilderness park to be located in the North Midlands. A Question and Answer session with members followed the presentation. The Committee agreed that a copy of the presentation by the National Wetlands Wilderness Park Committee should be sent to the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government together with an expression of the Joint Committee’s support for the proposal.

7.Any Other Business

Members were reminded a joint meeting with the Joint Committee on European Affairs had been scheduled for Wednesday 15^th June at 10.00 a.m. to consider EU documents relating to GM foods in other member states.

10.Adjournment

The Joint Committee adjourned at 6.18 p.m. until Wednesday 22^nd June 2005 at 2.30 p.m.

_______________

Seán Haughey, T.D.,

Chairman.

June, 2005

JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRS

Joint meeting with the JOINT COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Minutes of Meeting, 15^th June 2005

Members present:

Deputies:Barry Andrews, John Deasy (in the chair), Seamus Kirk, Michael Mulcahy, Ruairí Quinn, Mae Sexton, Dan Wallace,

John Cregan, Ciaran Cuffe, Eamon Gilmore, Noel Grealish, Seán Haughey (Chairman of the Joint Committee on Enviroment and Local Government), Jackie Healy-Rae, Pádraic McCormack, John Moloney, Donal Moynihan and Fergus O’Dowd.

Senators:Paul Bradford, John Dardis, Don Lydon, Derek McDowell, Ann Ormonde, Fergal Quinn,

James Bannon, Cyprian Brady and Michael Brennan.

Apologies:Deputies Marian Harkin and Aengus O’Snodaigh. Avril Doyle MEP

The Joint meeting went into public session at 10.20 am

1.Discussion with interested parties on the authorisation of Genetically Modified products across the Member States of the European Union: Scrutiny of EU legislative proposals relating to Genetically Modified Foods COM (2005)161 to COM(2005) 169 inclusive.

The Chairman welcomed all participants to the Joint meeting of two Oireachtas Committees, the Joint Committee on European Affairs and the Joint Committee on Environment and Local Government and thanked the Chairman (Deputy Sean Haughey) and members of the Joint Committee on Environment and Local Government for facilitating the Joint meeting of committees.

The Chairman introduced the topic which was the scrutiny of nine EU legislative proposals referred by the Sub-Committee on European Scrutiny to the Joint Committee on European Affairs for further scrutiny. He noted that one of the proposals related to the authorization of a Genetically Modified product COM(2005)163 and a further eight proposals related to national bans on certain GM products in some member states, COM(2005)161 to 169. The Chairman noted that it was also an opportunity to hear a range of views on the wider issue of GM Foods and GM bans.

The following witnesses were in attendance at the meeting and made presentations to members;

-Tom O’Mahony of the Department of the Environment Heritage and Local Government

-Dr Tom Mc Loughlin, Environment Protection Agency

-Mr Pat O’Mahony, Chief Specialist in Biotechnology, Food Safety Authority of Ireland

-Mr Oisin Coghlan, Director, Friends of the Earth and

-Mr Michael O’Callaghan, Gm-free Ireland Network

The following witnesses also attended and were available to answer questions from members and contribute to the debate;

-Ms Joan Regan, Assistant Principal Officer, Dept Health and Children

-Mr John Downey and Mr. Gerry Lohan, Department of Agriculture and Food and

-Mr John Heney, National Rural Development Chairman, ICSA (Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers Association)

The Chairman having outlined the proposed format of the meeting drew attention to the fact that members of Oireachtas committees have absolute privilege, but that the same privilege does not apply to witnesses appearing before a committee. He confirmed that a committee cannot guarantee any level of privilege to witnesses appearing before it and that under the Salient Rulings of the Chair members should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the House or an official by name in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

Following the presentations made by the witnesses attending the Chairman opened the discussion to members. There followed a question and answer session during which witnesses responded to questions from members.

It was noted that the matter would again come up for consideration in the context of a briefing by the Minister for the Environment, Mr Dick Roche TD to the Joint Committee on Environment and Local Government in advance of the forthcoming EU Environment Council.

It was agreed that in the meantime a letter should issue to the Minister enclosing the transcript of the meeting in order to allow him to have regard to the entirety of views expressed. In addition it was agreed that specific reference should be made to the fact that a consensus emerged in the meeting that the member states who had imposed bans on certain products should be supported at the forthcoming Council.

2.Adjournment

The joint meeting adjourned at 12.43 pm. sine die.

The committee adjourned at 12.43 pm

John Deasy TD

Chairman

29 June 2005

Joint Committee on Environment and Local Government

Minutes of meeting

22^nd June, 2005

1.The Joint Committee met in at 2.35p.m. in Committee Room 3, Leinster House 2000.

2.Attendance: Deputies S. Haughey (in the chair), J. Cregan, J. Healy-Rae, E Gilmore, N. Grealish, P. McCormack, J. Moloney, D. Moynihan, F. O’Dowd and C. Cuffe; and Senators J. Bannon, C Brady and M. Brennan.

Also in attendance was Deputy A Morgan.

3.Minutes of meeting of 8^th June 2005

The minutes of the meeting of 8^th June 2005 were agreed.

4.Correspondence

This item was dealt with in Private Session

5.Briefing by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government prior to his attendance at the EU Environment Council Meeting

The Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government briefed the Joint Committee prior to his attendance at the E.U. Environment Council meeting on 24^th June 2005. A Question and Answer session with members followed the briefing.

6.Motion on GMOs

The Committee passed the following motion in the name of Deputy Ciaran Cuffe:

“That this Committee urges the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to vote in favour of a continued ban on Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO’s) at the forthcoming Environment Council Meeting”

It was agreed that a letter issue to the Minister advising him that the Joint Committee had passed the motion.

7.Any Other Business

This item was dealt with in Private Session

8.Adjournment

The Joint Committee adjourned at 4.14p.m. until Wednesday 6^th July 2005 at 2.30 p.m.

_______________

Seán Haughey, T.D.,

Chairman.

June, 2005

Joint Committee on Environment and Local Government

Minutes of meeting

6^th July, 2005

1.The Joint Committee met in at 2.32 p.m. in Committee Room 3, Leinster House 2000.

2.Attendance: Deputies S. Haughey (in the chair), J. Cregan, F. O’Malley (as substitute for N Grealish), E Gilmore, P. McCormack (for part of the meeting), M Ring (as substitute for P McCormack), J. Moloney, F. O’Dowd and C. Cuffe; and Senators J. Bannon, C Brady and M. Brennan.

3.Minutes of meeting of 22^nd June 2005

The minutes of the meeting of 22^nd June 2005 were agreed.

4.Correspondence

This item was dealt with in Private Session

5.Scrutiny of E.U. Legislation

The Joint Committee agreed that no further scrutiny was required in relation to COM(2005)116, the title of which is:

Proposal for a Decision establishing for the period 2007-2013 the programme “Citizens for Europe” to promote active EU citizenship.

The Joint Committee agreed that further scrutiny was required in relation to COM(2005)119, the title of which is:

Proposal for a Decision of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning the seventh framework programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007-2013) — Building the Europe of Knowledge.

6.Briefing by the Private Residential Tenancies Board

The Committee heard a presentation by the Private Residential Tenancies Board represented by Mr Tom Dunne, Ms Shirley Groarke and Ms Sheila McMahon on its operations to date and its plans for the future. A Question and Answer session with members followed the presentation.

7.Any Other Business

This item was dealt with in Private Session.

8.Adjournment

The Joint Committee adjourned at 4.04 p.m. until Tuesday 19^th July 2005 at 11.00 a.m.

_______________

Seán Haughey, T.D.,

Chairman.

July, 2005

Joint Committee on Environment and Local Government

Minutes of meeting

19^th July, 2005

1.The Joint Committee met in at 11.01 a.m. in Committee Room 3, Leinster House 2000.

2.Attendance: Deputies S. Haughey (in the chair), J. Glennon (as substitute for J. Cregan), L. McManus (as substitute for E Gilmore), J. Healy-Rae, D. Moynihan, F. O’Dowd and C. Cuffe; and Senators J. Bannon (for part of the meeting), P. Coghlan (as substitute for J. Bannon) K. Phelan (as substitute for C. Brady — part of the meeting), C. Glynn (as substitute for C. Brady — part of the meeting), T. Leyden (as substitute for C. Brady — part of the meeting), M. McCarthy and M. Brennan.

Also in attendance were Deputy T. Sargent and Senator S. Ross

3.Minutes of meeting of 6^th July 2005

The minutes of the meeting of 6^th July 2005 were agreed.

4.Correspondence

This item was dealt with in Private Session

5.Travel Proposals

This item was dealt with in Private Session

6.Briefing by the Environmental Protection Agency

The Committee heard a presentation by the Environmental Protection Agency represented by Dr Mary Kelly, Director-General and Dr Padraic Larkin, Director on the issues of (a) Illegal dumping in Co. Wicklow, (b) Licencing and (c) Genetically Modified Organisms. A Question and Answer session with members followed the presentation.

7.Any Other Business

The Joint Committee agreed with the proposal of the Chairman that the issue of the designation of the Dublin Bay Special Protection Area should be the subject of a meeting in the autumn of 2005 and that invitations to discuss the issue should be sent to The National Parks and Wildlife Service, Dublin Port Company and Dublin Bay Watch Ltd.

8.Adjournment

The Joint Committee adjourned at 12.52 p.m. sine die.

_______________

Seán Haughey, T.D.,

Chairman.

September, 2005

Joint Committee on Environment and Local Government

Minutes of meeting

14^th September, 2005

1.The Joint Committee met in private session at 11.03 a.m. in Committee Room 3, Leinster House 2000.

2.Attendance: Deputies S. Haughey (in the chair), C. Cuffe, E Gilmore; and Senators J. Bannon and C. Brady.

3.Report on the Recycling of Household Waste in Ireland:

This item was dealt with in Private Session

4.Adjournment

The Joint Committee adjourned at 11.10 a.m.

_______________

Seán Haughey, T.D.,

Chairman.

September, 2005

Joint Committee on Environment and Local Government

Minutes of meeting

14^th September, 2005

1.The Joint Committee met in at 2.33 p.m. in Committee Room 3, Leinster House 2000.

2.Attendance: Deputies S. Haughey (in the chair), C. O’Connor (as substitute for J. Cregan), E Gilmore, J. Moloney, D. Moynihan, B. Timmins (as substitute for F. O’Dowd) and C. Cuffe; and Senators J. Bannon, C. Brady and M. Brennan.

Also in attendance were Deputy A. Morgan and Senator S. Ross

Apologies were received from Deputies John Cregan, Fergus O’Dowd and Padraig McCormack

3.Minutes of meeting of 19^th July 2005

The minutes of the meeting of 19^th July were agreed.

4.Correspondence

This item was dealt with in Private Session

5.Presentations by An Taisce and Wicklow County Council regarding the issue of Illegal Dumping in Wicklow

Prior to hearing presentations on this issue the Joint Committee discussed correspondence from CRH Plc declining the invitation to attend this meeting. It was agreed that the concerns and disappointment of the Committee at this decision should be conveyed in writing to the company as well as re-issuing the invitation to address the Committee on this issue. It was also agreed that the Clerk should initiate the process of seeking compellability powers in relation to this.

The Committee then heard a presentation by the An Taisce represented by Mr Frank Corcoran, Chairman of An Taisce and Mr Eddie Sheehy, County Manager of Wicklow County Council on the issue of Illegal dumping in Co. Wicklow. A Question and Answer session with members followed each presentation.

6.Scrutiny of E.U. Legislation

It was agreed to defer consideration of this item to a future meeting — date to be decided.

7.Any Other Business

There was no other business.

8.Adjournment

The Joint Committee adjourned at 5.58 p.m. until Wednesday 28^th September 2005.

_______________

Seán Haughey, T.D.,

Chairman.

September, 2005

Joint Committee on Environment and Local Government

Minutes of meeting

28^th September 2005

1.The Joint Committee met in at 2.32 p.m. in Committee Room 3, Leinster House 2000.

2.Attendance: Deputies S. Haughey (in the chair), J. Cregan, E Gilmore, J. Healy-Rae, P McCormack, J. Moloney, and C. Cuffe; and Senators J. Bannon, C. Brady and M. Brennan.

3.Minutes of meetings of 14^th September 2005

The minutes of the meetings of 14^th September 2005 were agreed.

4.Correspondence

This item was dealt with in Private Session.

5.Presentations by Dublin Port Company, the National Parks and Wildlife Service and Dublin Bay Watch Ltd regarding the issue of a proposed infill of 52 acres of Dublin Bay

The Committee heard presentations by the Dublin Port Company represented by Mr Enda Connellan, C.E.O. of the company, by the National Parks and Wildlife Service represented by Dr Alan Craig, Director, and by Dublin Bay Watch Ltd represented by Mr Liam O’Dwyer, Mr Joe Nolan and Ms Mona O Leary on the issue of the proposed infill of 52 acres of Dublin Bay. A Question and Answer session with members followed each presentation.

In the course of the Question and Answer session it was agreed that the Committee would write to the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources seeking papers in relation to the Environmental Impact Assessment and consultant’s report on the same issue.

6.Any Other Business

There was no other business.

7.Adjournment

The Joint Committee adjourned at 4.26 p.m. until Tuesday 11^th October 2005.

_______________

Seán Haughey, T.D.,

Chairman.

October, 2005

Joint Committee on Environment and Local Government

Minutes of meeting

11^th October 2005

1.The Joint Committee met in at 4.03 p.m. in Committee Room 3, Leinster House 2000.

2.Attendance: Deputies S. Haughey (in the chair), M. Brady (as substitute for J. Cregan), E Gilmore, N. Grealish. P McCormack, F. O Dowd and C. Cuffe; and Senators C. Brady and M. Brennan.

Apologies were received from Deputy John Cregan and Senator Michael McCarthy.

3.Ministerial Presentation

The Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government briefed the Joint Committee prior to his attendance at the E.U. Environment Council meeting on 17^th October 2005. A Question and Answer session with members followed the briefing.

4.Minutes of meetings of 28^th September 2005

The minutes of the meetings of 28^th September 2005 were agreed.

5.Correspondence

This item was dealt with in Private Session

6.Any Other Business

This item was dealt with in Private Session

7.Adjournment

The Joint Committee adjourned at 5.40 p.m. until Wednesday 26^th October 2005.

_______________

Seán Haughey, T.D.,

Chairman.

October, 2005

Joint Committee on Environment and Local Government

Minutes of meeting

26^th October 2005

1.The Joint Committee met in at 2.32 p.m. in Committee Room 3, Leinster House 2000.

2.Attendance: Deputies S. Haughey (in the chair), J. Cregan, E Gilmore, J. Healy-Rae, J. Moloney, D. Moynihan, F. O Dowd and C. Cuffe; and Senators J. Bannon, C. Brady and M. Brennan.

3.Minutes of meetings of 11^th October 2005

The minutes of the meeting of 11^th October 2005 were agreed.

4.Correspondence

This item was dealt with in Private Session

5.Travel Proposal

This item was dealt with in Private Session

6.Travel Report on Sellafield Visit

This item was dealt with in Private Session

7.COM(2004)621 — Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning the Financial Instrument for the Environment (LIFE+): Presentation by Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

The Committee heard a presentation by officials from the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government on the proposed LIFE+ program to be set up under COM(2004)621. A Question and Answer session with members followed each presentation.

The Committee agreed that no recommendations be made and that a report on the Joint Committee’s consideration of this proposed EU legislation be laid before the Houses.

8.Travel Report on Sellafield Visit

As BNFL had submitted their comments and observations on the part of the draft report relevant to that company just before (1.30 p.m.) the commencement of the Joint Committee’s meeting, it was agreed that the consideration of the draft report would be postponed until the next scheduled meeting of the Joint Committee to enable members to fully consider the comments of BNFL.

It was agreed that the Joint Committee would meet in private session to discuss the Sellafield issue with Dr. Ian Roxburgh, Chief Executive of the UK Nuclear Decommissioning Authority and Sir Anthony Cleaver, Chairman of the NDA during their visit to Dublin in November 2005.

9.Any Other Business

Deputy Gilmore raised the issue of the consideration of the Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2005 at Committee Stage. It was agreed that a letter would issue to the Department asking that the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and the Minister would seek to have the Committee Stage of this Bill completed without further delay.

10.Adjournment

The Joint Committee adjourned at 3.33 p.m. until Wednesday 9^th November 2005.

_______________

Seán Haughey, T.D.,

Chairman.

October 2005

Joint Committee on Environment and Local Government

Minutes of meeting

9^th November 2005

1.The Joint Committee met in at 2.34 p.m. in Committee Room 3, Leinster House 2000.

2.Attendance: Deputies S. Haughey (in the chair), J. Healy-Rae, B. Kelleher, D. Moynihan, F. O Dowd and C. Cuffe; and Senators J. Bannon, M. Brennan and M. McCarthy.

3.Minutes of meetings of 26^th October 2005

The minutes of the meeting of 26^th October 2005 were agreed.

4.Correspondence

This item was dealt with in Private Session

5.Travel Report on Sellafield Visit

This item was dealt with in Private Session.

6.Scrutiny of E.U. Legislation

The following proposals were dealt with in Private Session -

(i)COM(2004)810

Proposal for a Council Decision for the EU to cease to be a party to the Oder and Elbe Conventions.

(ii)COM(2005)113

Proposal for a Council Regulation Establishing a Rapid Response and Preparedness Instrument for major Emergencies.

(iii)COM(2005)199

Proposal for a Council Decision issuing directives to the Commission for the negotiation of the amendments to the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material.

(iv)COM(2005)261

Proposal for a Council Directive on passenger car related taxes. In addition the Committee agreed that it should write to the Joint Committee on Finance and the Public Service outlining the concern of the joint Committee on the Environment and Local Government regarding the level of tax levied on cars which produce less pollution that other vehicles.

(v)COM(2005)338

Proposal for a Council Decision authorizing the placing on the market of foods and food ingredients derived from genetically modified maize line MON 863 as novel foods or novel food ingredients under Regulation (EC) No. 258/97 of the European Parliament and of the Council.

(vi)COM(2005)346

Proposal for a Council Decision authorizing the placing on the market of foods and food ingredients produced from genetically modified Roundup Ready maize line GA21.

7.The Impact of Increased Local Charges on Irish Business — Presentation by IBEC.

The Committee heard a presentation by IBEC on the impact increased local charges are having on Irish business. A Question and Answer session with members followed the presentation.

8.Any Other Business

This item was dealt with in Private Session.

9.Adjournment

The Joint Committee adjourned at 4.00 p.m. until Thursday 17^th November 2005.

_______________

Seán Haughey, T.D.,

Chairman.

24^th November 2005

Joint Committee on Environment and Local Government

Minutes of meeting

17^th November 2005

1.The Joint Committee met in private session at 3.05p.m. in Committee Room 4, Leinster House 2000.

2.Attendance: Deputies S. Haughey (in the chair), C. Cuffe, P McCormack, M. Brady (in substitution for J. Cregan) and E. Stagg (in substitution for E. Gilmore); and Senators J. Bannon, M. Brennan and C. Brady.

3.Discussion with the United Kingdom Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) on the issue of Sellafield.

This item was dealt with in private session

4.Correspondence

This item was dealt with in private session

5.Any Other Business

There was no other business.

6.Adjournment

The Joint Committee adjourned at 4.20 p.m. until Thursday 24^th November 2005.

_______________

Seán Haughey, T.D.,

Chairman.

24^th November 2005

Joint Committee on Environment and Local Government

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Thursday, 24^th November 2005

1.The Joint Committee met in Committee Room 3, LH 2000, on Thursday, 24^th November 2005 at 11.05a.m.

2.Attendance

The following Members were in attendance: -

Deputies Seán Haughey, (in the Chair), John Cregan, Ciarán Cuffe, Eamon Gilmore, Jackie Healy-Rae, Donal Moynihan, Padraic McCormack, Fergus O’Dowd and Senators Cyprian Brady, Michael Brennan. Also in attendance were Deputies Billy Timmons and Eamon Ryan.

3.Report on Recycling of Household Waste in Ireland

This item was dealt with in Private Session.

4.Correspondence

This item was dealt with in Private Session.

5.Annual Report of An Bord Pleanála, 2004

The meeting heard a presentation by Mr John O’Connor, Chairman of on an Bord Pleanála, together with Members of the Board, on the Annual Report 2004.

A question and answer session ensued.

6. Minutes of meeting of 9^th and 17 November 2005

The minutes of the meetings of 9^th and 17^th November 2005 were agreed.

7.Any Other Business

This item was dealt with in Private Session.

8.Adjournment

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 1.10p.m until 9.30a.m. Thursday 1^st December 2005.

_________________________

Seán Haughey, T.D.,

Chairman

1^st December, 2005.

Joint Committee on the Environment and Local Government

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Thursday, 1^st December 2005

1.The Joint Committee met in Committee Room 2, LH 2000, on Thursday, 1^st December 2005 at 9.31a.m.

2.Attendance

The following Members were in attendance: -

Deputies Seán Haughey, (in the Chair), John Cregan, Ciarán Cuffe, Jackie Healy-Rae, Kathleen Lynch*, Donal Moynihan and Fergus O’Dowd and Senators James Bannon, Cyprian Brady, Michael Brennan and Michael McCarthy.

*In substitution for Deputy Eamon Gilmore.