Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)

I welcome the Minister's response, particularly as she is prepared to consider the current situation rather than dwelling on an historic situation which may not be as relevant as it was. I appreciate her precautionary approach. Naturally, we do not want to be reckless or in any way put at risk the important status we hold.

To follow on neatly from Deputy Crawford's question, if there is to be a prohibition on the inclusion or acceptance of certain material for anaerobic digestion, what other plans are in place? Is it satisfactory that we would continue to stockpile? Will the Minister announce the outcome of whatever review she is undertaking given that producers have invested in plant and machinery for anaerobic digestion?

All things being equal, it is a beneficial win-win situation in that it creates energy and material which is nutritious in terms of land spread being of an even consistency — more so than the raw material — and disposes of what otherwise would be a waste product. Will the Minister state when she plans to have an outcome of the review so we can reduce waste and benefit from other technology?

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