Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)

The Minister said he is totally opposed to incineration, and I respect that view. He is now referring to the context of an international review. He is also imposing additional costs on landfill. Why did the Minister wait until two years after his appointment when contracts were signed in relation to Poolbeg, for example, to make a statement? Were there legal constraints on his doing so sooner? I would like to hear an explanation.

Once a licence has been issued to a landfill operator for the disposal of fly ash, can the Minister give a guarantee that local residents will be informed of the new facility for the disposal of hazardous material? A number of transparency issues arise if we wish to ensure that people understand what is going on. Can the Minister clarify?

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