Results 1,161-1,180 of 10,459 for speaker:Bertie Ahern

Leaders' Questions. (8 Mar 2005)

Bertie Ahern: The licence inquiry allows for a lengthy planning process, which is among the most onerous, detailed and open of all such processes. The EPA is independent in the exercise of its functions.

Leaders' Questions. (8 Mar 2005)

Bertie Ahern: The Deputy is entitled to his opinion that the EPA is a joke.

Leaders' Questions. (8 Mar 2005)

Bertie Ahern: I do not think it is a joke.

Leaders' Questions. (8 Mar 2005)

Bertie Ahern: I do not think those involved in the EPA think it is a joke. The EPA's legislative base is not a joke.

Leaders' Questions. (8 Mar 2005)

Bertie Ahern: The Government's policy is that thermal treatment and energy recovery has an important role as a single element of an integrated approach to waste management.

Leaders' Questions. (8 Mar 2005)

Bertie Ahern: I have listened to Deputy Sargent's comments. Countries like Holland and Germany, which are recognised as being among the most environmentally advanced countries, combine high rates of recycling with the existing use of modern thermal treatment facilities.

Leaders' Questions. (8 Mar 2005)

Bertie Ahern: Their recycling performance has not suffered as a result of the provision of thermal treatment facilities. It is important to note that the introduction of thermal treatment will allow this country to reduce its environmentally unsustainable dependence on landfill.

Leaders' Questions. (8 Mar 2005)

Bertie Ahern: Deputy Sargent asked about the health effects of thermal treatment and argued that such effects should be considered during the environmental licensing process. The EPA cannot grant a waste licence if it is not satisfied that the activity in question will not cause environmental pollution. It operates to the highest EU and WHO standards. It follows the rules, directives and procedures——

Leaders' Questions. (8 Mar 2005)

Bertie Ahern: ——of the EU and the WHO, in line with best international practice.

Leaders' Questions. (8 Mar 2005)

Bertie Ahern: I reject the accusation that the EPA is a joke.

Leaders' Questions. (8 Mar 2005)

Bertie Ahern: The EPA considers that human health will be protected if people comply with licence emission limits. It follows the procedures to a high standard.

Leaders' Questions. (8 Mar 2005)

Bertie Ahern: I do not agree with the Deputy's view. Our planning process involves An Bord Pleanála and the EPA. The Deputy has suggested that a further organisation, which is independent of the EPA, should be established. I do not consider that to be the position. The Minister, Deputy Roche, has said he is aware of the concerns of local communities about the development of thermal treatment and other...

Leaders' Questions. (8 Mar 2005)

Bertie Ahern: The Minister has said he will examine best practice as part of the ongoing environmental monitoring of projects. In particular, he will ensure that local communities are involved in overseeing such monitoring. The EPA does not just operate on the basis of its own rules, guidelines and standards.

Leaders' Questions. (8 Mar 2005)

Bertie Ahern: It also follows the relevant EU directives, which are enormous, as Deputy Sargent will agree. The EPA follows such standards. It is not simply ignoring protestors and listening to developers.

Leaders' Questions. (8 Mar 2005)

Bertie Ahern: It considers the WHO standards. The EPA estimates that the 11 waste incinerators in operation in this country — Deputy Sargent would refer to them as hazardous — have contributed a fraction of 1% of national dioxin emissions to air.

Leaders' Questions. (8 Mar 2005)

Bertie Ahern: I have given the facts, as outlined by the experts. If one assumes that 1 million tonnes of municipal waste are managed by means of incineration over the coming decade, the EPA projects that dioxin emissions from waste incineration could account for less than 2% of national dioxin emissions to air.

Leaders' Questions. (8 Mar 2005)

Bertie Ahern: The EPA has said that opponents of incineration should examine other issues.

Leaders' Questions. (8 Mar 2005)

Bertie Ahern: Experts in this area have said that issues such as burning waste in back yards is not regulated.

Leaders' Questions. (8 Mar 2005)

Bertie Ahern: The effects of such activity can be far worse than the effects of the matters we are discussing. That is what the experts are saying.

Leaders' Questions. (8 Mar 2005)

Bertie Ahern: I regret that the EPA has been rubbished to the extent it has been. The comments we have heard are unfair on professionals and experts who are working in this area. I do not believe that such people are a joke. The suggestion that certain issues should be reviewed after ten years is a fair point. I am sure the Minister will take it into account.