142 Mr. Crowley asked the Minister for the Environment the proposals, if any, he has to introduce measures to control the level of noise pollution. [2985/97]

Powers have been provided under section 108 of the Environmental Protection Agency Act, 1992, to address problems of noise pollution and I have power under section 106 of the Act to make regulations to deal with further aspects of the problem. The European Commission published a Green Paper on Future Noise Policy in November 1996 which aimes to stimulate discussion on improving the effectiveness of noise policy. The Green Paper provides, inter alia, an outline of a framework for action and future options for the reduction of noise from different sources. Further work towards finalisation of national regulations on noise will have regard to emerging policy at EU level.