131. Mr. Dempsey asked the Minister for the Environment whether political agreement has been reached on an EU Council common position on the EU Commission's proposal for a decision on the review of the Community programme of policy and action in relation to the environment and sustainable development in view of the fact that is is a stated priority during Ireland's Presidency concerning environmental policy in the Union. [17815/96]
Minister for the Environment (Mr. Howlin): Discussions on the European Commission's proposal for a decision on the review of the Community programme of policy and action in relation to the environment and sustainable development: “Towards Sustainability”[1538] continued under the Irish Presidency from July. The proposal seeks to improve and accelerate the implementation of the programme in the period to the end of the decade. A policy debate on key issues arising under this dossier, as identified by the Presidency, will take place at the Environment Council on 15 October, with a view to final political agreement in December.
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