129. Mr. Dempsey asked the Minister for the Environment the progress, if any, made on the anticipated proposals for a Directive from the EU Commission on motor vehicle emission standards for the post-2000 period and on the Framework Directive on fuel quality in view of the fact that these are stated priorities during Ireland's Presidency of the EU concerning environmental policy in the union. [17812/96]
Minister for the Environment (Mr. Howlin): Discussions on the European Commission's Auto Oil Programme, comprising proposals for directives on measures to be taken against air pollution by emissions from motor vehicles and on the quality of petrol and diesel fuels commenced in September. The proposals involved are acknowledged to be of wide-ranging and fundamental significance for the reduction of air pollution from vehicles in the post-2000 period.
An orientation debate on key issues arising under this dossier, as identified by the Presidency, will take place at the Environment Council on 15 October.
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