Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Question 68: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, in view of the green light for the Poolbeg incinerator, he will instruct local authorities, under section 24 of the Waste Management Act 1996, to review their regional waste management strategies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35218/07]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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I refer to the reply to Question No. 63. As indicated, I, as Minister, set policy and determine the implementation of policy on waste. I have a range of powers and functions under the waste management legislation which enable me to exercise this role. In particular I have the power to issue directions on policy to require changes to waste plans, although this power does not apply retrospectively, and to require the making of by-laws.

I have signalled a fundamental change in waste and resources policy. This policy change will move the emphasis in waste management up the waste hierarchy. As part of this policy change I am commissioning an international study for purposes of a waste policy review. The result of increased success in minimising, reducing, reusing and recycling waste will be reduced arising from residual waste. The use of technologies such as mechanical biological treatment will further reduce volumes of residual waste available. This leads me to the inevitable conclusion that throughput will not be available to ensure the viability of all the incineration capacity that is currently foreseen.

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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The Minister indicated there is a fundamental shift in waste policy. We have not yet seen it. When is the international review he has commissioned likely to conclude? If the Minister is committed to reducing the number of thermal treatment plants for waste, he must be aware that eight incinerators are currently proposed in the eight regional waste management plans. Will he use his powers to instruct the local authorities to review those waste management plans to remove the thermal treatment solutions included in them?

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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With regard to the Deputy's first question, the terms of reference for the review have been agreed and a steering committee has been appointed. I was anxious to ensure balance on the steering committee so I have appointed a number of people from non-governmental organisations, An Taisce and so forth, to sit on it. This will ensure the procurement process is correct and that we get a policy that reflects the sustainable waste management policy I have tried to highlight in recent months.

In regard to the direction of waste management policy, Deputy Hogan raised this issue during the summer and it has been claimed by the Opposition on several occasions that I have the power to direct Dublin City Council.

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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To review.

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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That was incorrect. I received advice not only from the Attorney General, but also from an eminent senior counsel from outside the House, and both confirmed it was not possible. The question of whether it is possible in respect of other regional waste plans can be considered but a number of other options must also be investigated, such as financial arrangements for funding incineration. It is not simply a question of discouraging incineration because we must also consider how we can encourage other technologies, such as mechanical biological treatment, and incentivise waste minimisation. Progress is being made in regard to the latter in that I have received a positive response from the main players in Repak. I put down a challenge to them to reduce their waste and, under the Cortauld agreement, they have agreed to co-operate. Deputy Hogan and the Leas-Cheann Comhairle were present when I put down the challenge at the Repak dinner. This is good news from everyone's perspective.