WRITTEN QUESTION No. 2620/97 by Jens-Peter BONDE to the Commission. Noise standards for machinery and engine-rooms
C 102/74 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 3. 4. 98 Specific programmes within the 4th Framework Programme on research and development (R&D) and demonstration covering 1994-98 (Parliament and Council Decision 1110/94/EC) (1) could provide funds for innovative projects. This applies in particular to the JOULE, Thermie and FAIR programmes. In addition, if the project is located within a region that is eligible under objective 5b or objective 6, it could possibly receive a subsidy granted under the Structural Funds (Regulation 2052/88 (2), as last amended by the act relating to the conditions of accession of the Kingdom of Norway, the Republic of Austria, the Republic of Finland, and the Kingdom of Sweden (3) › Council Decision 95/1/EC, Euratom/ECSC (4). The Commission is currently mapping out a strategy for the future development of renewable energy sources, including an action plan on this subject. The White Paper will be the outcome of a broad consultation initiated by the Green Paper on Energy for the future: renewable energy sourcesí (5). The Commission has received the reactions of more than 80 operators involved in such árenewablesí. Owing to its importance, biomass, including the specific technology referred to by the Honourable Member, will occupy an important place in this action plan. Finally, it should be pointed out that the proposal for a Council Decision on a multiannual programme promoting renewable energy sources within the Community (Altener II (6)) provides for action that is likely to prompt investment in renewables (Article 2(2)). (1) OJ L 126, 18. 5. 1994. (2) OJ L 185, 15. 7. 1988. (3) OJ L 241, 29. 8. 1994. (4) OJ L 1, 1. 1. 1995. (5) Doc. COM(96) 576. (6) Doc. COM(97) 87. (98/C 102/109) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2620/97 by Jens-Peter Bonde (I-EDN) to the Commission (1 September 1997) Subject: Noise standards for machinery and engine-rooms Will the Commission answer my three questions (E-2009/97) (1) with a Yesí or a Noí? (1) OJ C 391, 23. 12. 1997, p. 149. Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission (2 October 1997) To add to the answer given earlier, it should be pointed out that the amended Directive 89/392/EEC (1) concerning machinery states explicitly in Article 2(2) that The provisions of this Directive shall not affect Member States’ entitlement to lay down, in due observance of the Treaty, such requirements as they may deem necessary to ensure that persons and in particular workers are protected when using the machines in question. í. In these circumstances, the Danish authorities, with a view to reducing the noise to which the workers are exposed, and insofar as the machines must not be modified, may request that the machines be protected individually. They may also request, with a view to reducing the noise experienced to acceptable levels, that workers use personal protective equipment. (1) Directive No 89/392/EEC of 14 June 1989 (OJ L 183, 29. 6. 1989; amended by Directives 91/368/EEC (OJ L 198, 22. 7. 1991), 93/44/EEC (OJ L 175, 19. 7. 1993) and 93/68/EEC (OJ L 220, 30. 8. 1993)