asked the Minister for the Environment whether he has any current proposals to support moves within the EC, for example from Denmark, to tighten up EC standards on vehicle emissions to bring them more into line with those on force in the United States and EFTA countries; and the present situation in Ireland in this regard.

The situation in relation to control of vehicle emissions in Ireland and relevant EC directives is set out in my reply to Question No. 113 on 7 February 1989. I am favourably disposed towards strict controls on harmful vehicle emissions and will consider carefully any proposals for higher standards that may be submitted to the Council of Ministers, bearing in mind also, of course, the achievement of a necessary balance between the benefit for the environment and the implications for the economy and for consumers.