Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)

The Environmental Protection Agency is a useful body engaged in an important area. Deputies regularly correspond with it to point out that local landfills are not operating in accordance with their licence, a problem Deputy Michael Fitzpatrick and other Members will readily recognise. We also write to An Bord Pleanála because it shares responsibility in this area and local authorities because they give the initial planning permission for the operation of landfills, for which strict regulations are laid down. However, when one writes to planning authorities they respond that the matter is the responsibility of the EPA.

I am concerned about the decision to have five or six agencies involved in this area. The more one spreads the burden of responsibility, the less accountability one gets. It is as short and simple as that. Unfortunately, I do not have time to discuss in detail the various sections of the Bill. I will give the Minister of State, Deputy Billy Kelleher, some advice. He is an experienced politician and should not be led by experts, advisers or anyone else on this legislation. He will find that following his own heart and mind is a hell of a lot better and dependable than taking advice from specialists and experts.

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