John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)

I refer to the reply to Question No. 63. As indicated, I, as Minister, set policy and determine the implementation of policy on waste. I have a range of powers and functions under the waste management legislation which enable me to exercise this role. In particular I have the power to issue directions on policy to require changes to waste plans, although this power does not apply retrospectively, and to require the making of by-laws.

I have signalled a fundamental change in waste and resources policy. This policy change will move the emphasis in waste management up the waste hierarchy. As part of this policy change I am commissioning an international study for purposes of a waste policy review. The result of increased success in minimising, reducing, reusing and recycling waste will be reduced arising from residual waste. The use of technologies such as mechanical biological treatment will further reduce volumes of residual waste available. This leads me to the inevitable conclusion that throughput will not be available to ensure the viability of all the incineration capacity that is currently foreseen.

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