Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

As regards the first question on the health issue and the thermal treatment plants, of course I acknowledge there is concern in all of these cases. Whenever there is anything new there is concern about these issues. However, the EPA study notes that the World Health Organisation dealt with these issues. They have been reviewed not just in Ireland but in many countries. I understand that people have concerns in this regard, but the World Health Organisation was involved, as stipulated in the report.

On Deputy McManus's question, I have just heard that the case was lost. This will now bring clarity to the whole position. That was the benefit of it being reviewed by the Supreme Court. Now the case has to be dealt with. A 90-page judgment is being read, and that will have to be carefully examined by the Attorney General and the Department of Health and Children. This issue has existed since the mid-1970s. Now we have to deal with it in accordance with the Supreme Court's ruling and the Government will do that.

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