John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)

I have not had any direct contact with the ESRI concerning its report on waste management. I have, however, noted the contents of the report and have expressed concerns as to the accuracy of certain material contained in it. It is my understanding that the institute is currently reviewing the report on foot of comments following its publication and will be issuing a response shortly.

One example of acknowledged inaccuracies contained in the report is the statement that the emissions from the Poolbeg incinerator would be covered by the European emissions trading scheme. In addition, given that the waste hierarchy, the Polluter Pays principle and the proximity principle, besides being fundamental principles for optimal waste management, are also subject to binding legal requirements under the revised waste framework directive, 2008, I am concerned that the necessity of meeting Ireland's obligations under EU legislation does not appear to be fully appreciated by the authors of the report.

I will await the response of the ESRI to concerns expressed regarding the report. The report comments on it and the response by the ESRI will be considered in the context of the development of a new policy statement on waste management which I will be bringing to Government shortly and publishing for public consultation.

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