John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)

I have always made clear that I want to see a sustainable, resource based approach to waste management. This involves a shift in focus from residual waste management options, such as landfill and incineration, to technologies such as mechanical biological treatment which can maximise the value to be extracted from what should be viewed as a resource rather than as a waste.

On 15 July 2010, I published a draft statement of waste policy for public consultation which set out the various elements being considered as part of the development of a new national waste management policy for the coming decade and beyond. In particular, the draft statement emphasised the importance of waste policy being informed by domestic policy goals, EU and wider international policy and practice, and EU legislation and commitments, particularly the revised waste framework directive and the associated waste hierarchy set out in Article 4 of the directive. The draft statement contained a range of proposals, including, in relation to waste management, planning at national and regional levels. The consultation period closed on 1 October last and I am working to conclude a final waste policy statement, having given my fullest consideration to all the submissions received.

I intend to bring the final policy statement to Government for decision shortly. Following the Government's decision, I will publish the final policy which will provide certainty for those in the waste management sector and a framework within which the necessary legislative changes can be brought forward.

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