WRITTEN QUESTION E-0668/04 by Proinsias De Rossa (PSE) to the Commission. Irish Government's failure to cooperate with Lough Ree investigation.
Date: 2004-03-09
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Ireland, application of EU law, disclosure of information, environmental law, water protection

3.4.2004

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 84 E/839

to ban the use of the term ‘yoghurt’ on their territory for heat-treated products. The Communication
makes three exceptions to the principle of freedom of movement of goods and the mutual recognition of
sales terminology: caviar, vinegar and yoghurt. Various countries use the Communication to forbid the use
of the term ‘yoghurt’ for pasteurised yoghurts, a practice which is a clear obstacle to the single market.

Given that the most recent scientific studies have shown that there is no evidence of the supposed benefits
of yoghurt with live bacteria, what is the point of continuing this restriction on the free movement of
goods, which furthermore infringes consumers’ freedom of choice and their right to truthful information?

Does the Commission intend to do something to bring to an end, once and for all, all these obstacles to
the completion of the Single Market, in the shape of measures to harmonise legislation on yoghurt?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(5 April 2004)

The Commission is examining the need to establish legislation on yoghurt and yoghurt-like products
which includes the aspects mentioned by the Honourable Member.

Following that examination, which should be completed in the near future, where it is considered
appropriate and necessary to establish additional legislation, the Commission will forward a proposal to
the Parliament and to the Council.

(2004/C 84 E/0932)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0668/04

by Proinsias De Rossa (PSE) to the Commission

(9 March 2004)

Subject: Irish Government’s failure to cooperate with Lough Ree investigation

What reply, if any, has the Commission received from the Irish Government in response to the letter of
formal notice it sent
to Ireland in April 2003, as announced in IP/03/544, regarding the Irish
Government’s failure to cooperate with its investigations into complaints about the deterioration of water
the cumulative effects of new
quality in Lough Ree, specifically in relation to taking account of
developments in accordance with the Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC (1))?

What action has the Commission taken or is it considering in this matter?

(1) OJ L 206, 22.7.1992, p. 7.

Answer given by Mrs Wallström on behalf of the Commission

(7 April 2004)

The Commission’s letter of
formal notice, referred to by the Honourable Member, addressed non-
cooperation by Ireland consisting in a failure to respond to a request for information about compliance
with environmental
Ireland subsequently
legislation in relation to Lough Ree, County Roscommon.
provided a detailed response to the Commission’s original information request. This response is considered
as having brought to an end the infringement for non-cooperation based on Article 10 of the EC Treaty,
and no further action is currently contemplated on this ground. The Commission is still considering the
substantive issues raised by the original complaint (1).

(1) P2001/4787.