Conor Lenihan (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)

Rather than using emotive words like "damaging", it is important to note that all the agencies operating under the aegis of my Department are concerned about our competitiveness and they tend to make their concerns known at Cabinet sub-committee meetings and when making presentations to Government officials. The agencies clearly recognise the importance of reducing costs. The market price has fallen and there is evidence from landfill sites and other waste facilities that lower prices are being accepted. The Department and its agencies continue to apply pressure to further reduce costs and we await with interest the statement of the Minister, Deputy Gormley, on the matter.

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