Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 February 2026
326. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the reforms or changes that have been made to the Environmental Protection Agency on foot of the recommendations contained within the OECD’s review of the EPA in 2020, ‘Driving Performance at Ireland’s Environmental Protection Agency’; the measures outstanding; if he plans any statutory changes or reforms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12781/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 2018 the EPA commissioned the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) to undertake a review of the EPA. Consultations were carried out in 2019. The review followed a framework developed by the OECD to assess and strengthen the organisational performance and governance of regulators. The OECD team was supported by peer reviewers from Norway, Scotland and Portugal. In addition to extensive internal consultation, the team met with a wide range of stakeholders including non-governmental organisations, government departments and members of the Oireachtas. The review was published by the OECD in early 2020.
Overall, the OECD findings were that:
“The EPA has established itself as a trusted and respected body for environmental and radiological protection that is recognised for its scientific integrity. It has been given responsibility for regulating an increasing number of areas on account of its reputation to deliver and it operates with a strong culture of independence. EPA data and reports are the reference for knowledge on Ireland’s environment, and the EPA is seen as an authoritative voice on environmental issues. It networks effectively at the European level, where it has gained a reputation as an innovative, open organisation with many good practices to share”
The findings of the review were welcomed and the EPA confirmed, at the time of publication of the review, that it had already implemented a number of the recommendations in the report. Subsequent to its publication, the EPA collaborated with my Department to address the opportunities identified in the review for the Agency to build on its strong reputation and continue to ensure its effectiveness as a modern regulator and employer.
Further actions were incorporated into the EPA Strategic Plan 2022-2026 and annual Work Programmes. Significant changes such as restructuring and consolidating the climate and enforcement functions across the Agency were implemented. In addition, the EPA confirms that it has further enhanced its communications including redesigning the EPA website, adopting more extensive use of social media and improving the communication and uptake of its environmental research programme to inform and support policy development.
The EPA is an independent corporate entity having full responsibility under law for the performance of its functions. Arrangements have been put in place by the EPA to facilitate the provision of information directly to members of the Oireachtas. This provides a speedy, efficient and cost-effective system to address queries which are proper for the agency.
The EPA may be contacted directly at the email provided for Oireachtas queries oireachtasqueries@epa.ie.
