Dáil Éireann - Volume 410 - 02 July, 1991

Written Answers. - National Environmental Report.

151. Mr. Garland asked the Minister for the Environment if there was a special committee or working group established to produce the national environment and development report; whether there was a broad-based participation and consultation in its production; if so, if he will provide details of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

[263] 152. Mr. Garland asked the Minister for the Environment whether his Department has produced a comprehensive national environment and development report as requested by the Secretariat of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development; if so, whether it provides basic information on (a) development of environment linkages, (b) environment and natural resource trends and evaluation, (c) development trends, (d) key environment and development problems, (e) a comprehensive description of the last two decades of environment and development policy and (f) the impact of external factors such as trade and international economic relations on the national environment; if he will give details; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for the Environment (Mr. Flynn): I propose to take Questions Nos. 151 and 152 together.

National environmental reports are being produced as part of the preparations for the United Nations Conference on Environment and [264] Development to be held in Brazil in June 1992. My Department are co-ordinating the preparation of the Irish national report in accordance with the guidelines laid down by the Secretary-General of the conference and in consultation with other relevant Government Departments and subsidiary organisations. Submissions have been sought from a representative selection of nongovernmental organisations and those received are being taken into account in the drafting of the report which is at an advanced stage.