Bernard Allen (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 93: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the status of the proposed task force to deal with the non-implementation of EU regulations by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16390/05]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 93 and 99 together.

The task force set up in my Department to establish strategies to address the range of environmental complaints against Ireland in a more comprehensive way is already operational. The task force comprises heads of division in the areas of environment, water and natural heritage and heritage and planning. This task force is carrying out a systematic analysis of each individual case that is the subject of infringement proceedings by the EU Commission with a view to accelerating Ireland's response to the proceedings and to bringing cases to the earliest possible conclusion. Following this analysis, which is being undertaken as a priority in my Department, and building on my contacts recently with the Commissioner and his officials, a high level team will have discussions in Brussels with Commission officials on the complete range of cases to hand and the issues arising.

In addition, with specific reference to the judgment of 26 April by the European Court of Justice in regard to waste disposal in Ireland, I have set up a high level group comprising representatives of my Department, other Departments, the EPA and local authorities. That group will carefully study the judgment with a view urgently to ensuring the adequacy of our control regime.