Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 4: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the contact he has had with the Economic and Social Research Institute concerning its report into waste disposal options; his views on its central conclusions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9858/10]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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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.

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Has the author of the report of the international review group on waste in Ireland received a copy of the report? Has he commented on the accuracy or otherwise of the ESRI report and will he make that information available?

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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I can confirm that the principal author of the report, Dr. Dominic Hogg, author of the Eunomia report, has been in contact with the ESRI. He has compiled a very large response to the ESRI report, pointing out the major flaws contained in that report. I understand he will be making that information public. These are independent consultants, as are the ESRI and so I cannot force anybody to publish that information but I understand he is making it publicly available.

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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I have a final question. What is Government policy relating to incineration, rather than ministerial statements?

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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This was outlined. The Dublin city manager and others were trying to confuse matters. It is unequivocal and we have pointed this out. I refer the Deputy to the renewed programme for Government, where the matter is highlighted.

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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The Government decision?

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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Yes and it is very clear. I am proceeding with the cap on incineration. I will consult on that matter and a strategic environmental assessment must be carried out. This requires a broad consultation with the key stakeholders. I am very clear in my view on incineration but I am not sure if the Deputy's party is entirely clear in its view. I note that Councillor Naoise Ó Muirí, chairperson of the environment and engineering strategic policy committee of Dublin City Council, is clearly in favour of constructing a 600,000 tonne incinerator-----

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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He is entitled to his view but that is not Fine Gael policy.

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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-----and I would like to hear the Deputy's view because I understand the Deputy and his party seem to be in favour of it and I have not heard anything to the contrary.

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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No. I asked the Minister for his view.