Environment committee - Watchdog lacks teeth to haul in witnesses

THERE are compelling reasons for granting powers to the Oireachtas Committee on the Environment to urge witnesses to attend its hearings.

Metaphorically speaking, since it lacks such powers, companies and individuals can thumb their noses at this important watchdog body which represents the public interest.

A classic example was seen this week when Roadstone, one of Ireland’s biggest companies, refused to attend a committee hearing in relation to illegal dumps on its 600-acre site in Co Wicklow. In the event, it was accused of avoiding accountability.