Dr. Tom Ryan:

The Chairman's question really concerned whether I was being diplomatic in my comments about waste management infrastructure. I did not mean to be in any way ambiguous. My comments concerned not only the Bill. Looking at the plastic strategy published by the Commission yesterday and looking forward to the evolving policy demands of the circular economy, we are very keen to highlight the challenges of self-sufficiency of waste management, including recyclables, that lie ahead for Ireland. It has been rehearsed here already that we are heavily reliant on export markets for treatment of recyclable waste. We had suggested that efforts to enhance the management of those waste streams should include proactive planning for adequate future treatment capacity in the State. We see that as a really important step, particularly as we transition to a circular economy. The role that the EPA can play to support and assist in this is by providing evidence and by funding appropriate targeted research that might assist in that transition process.