Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent)

I refer to two points outlined in the Green Party's motion on waste management, namely, the setting down of obligations and targets for businesses and industry to produce recyclable, reusable and biodegradable packaging, and the establishment of a waste reuse research and development programme.

The most favourable waste management option is waste prevention. If we do not generate waste in the first place, we do not have to deal with it. Therefore, if we invest in waste prevention and waste minimisation and ensure that packaging is recyclable, reusable or biodegradable, we will not create a major problem in the first place. This is simply good and common sense. However, it is not sufficient just to say it is common sense because we need to set down targets and obligations for producers, businesses and industry to ensure that they minimise the problem. As Deputy Gormley stated, this makes economic sense for them.

Given that Ireland has one of the highest levels of municipal waste per capita, it is extremely important to concentrate on waste prevention and minimisation. Right now, however, we must deal with the waste we produce.

Forfás produced a report this month on waste management in Ireland. It has benchmarked Ireland with nine other countries or areas and our performance is poor by comparison. We send 67% of our municipal waste to landfill. Only Scotland has a higher rate, at 86%, whereas Austria has a rate of 36%, Massachusetts a rate of 29%, Sweden a rate of 10% and Denmark a rate of 5%. While our recycling rate has improved since 2001, we still have a long way to go. Despite what is in the Government's amendment, we will have major difficulties in meeting the targets of the EU landfill directive.

Let me refer to the role of local authorities in waste management. They are being starved of central Government funds. Indecon Consultants recently indicated a funding gap of €415 million for local authorities, which could rise to €1.6 billion within four years. Already, local authority charges are too high. Rates on business are increasing at a rate that is particularly punitive for the smaller indigenous business, which we rely on for sustainable jobs. The cost of waste collection is escalating, both for business and home owners, and will escalate increasingly unless central Government is prepared to meet its financial responsibilities to local authorities.

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