Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 June 2026
257. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment for an update in relation to actions outlined in the 2020 OECD Report on the Environmental Protection Agency; for an update on the annual reviews of the ongoing performance delivery agreements since 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45821/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe findings of the OECD 2020 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 to build on the Agency's strong reputation and continue to ensure its effectiveness as a modern regulator and employer.
Further recommendations were incorporated into the EPA Strategic Plan 2022-2026 and annual Work Programmes. 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.
Work on a new strategic plan has commenced with the appointment of a new Director General in March 2026. I am advised that it is the EPA's intention to complete the work on development of this plan by early 2027.
The Oversight and Performance Delivery Agreement between the Department and the EPA formalises the agreed level of service to be provided and focuses on the key priorities and objectives of the Agency. It sets out the outputs/targets on which the Agency's performance will be measured. The current agreement is the fourth since 2021 and runs from 2024-2026. Monitoring and review of performance is achieved through quarterly governance meetings involving the Department and EPA, the preparation of metrics for the Revised Estimates and the publication of the EPA Annual Report and Accounts.
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.
