Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)

Then, in line with best European practice, the policy is that we should recover energy from waste through the use of thermal treatment technologies, ensuring that the amount of waste we ultimately consign to landfill — the least environmentally friendly approach — is kept to an absolute minimum.

At the mention of thermal treatment the Green Party members turn hysterical. Yet their Green colleagues have filled the environment portfolios in the German and French Governments, both of which — I sit on the environment Council at the moment — use thermal treatment as part of an integrated approach to waste management. If the Green Party is serious about trying to rationalise its "40 shades of green" policy it might do well to consult its European colleagues for a reality check.

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