Martin Mansergh (Fianna Fail)

Nor do I accept the sentiment that there is too much democracy in this country. In many respects there is not enough.

As a possible compromise solution I suggest the one used in Europe. The Commission has many executive powers for which it does not necessarily need the consent of a majority of the Council of Ministers. However, the Council of Ministers can unanimously overturn a decision by the Commission. There is something to be said for a local authority having the power, if voting unanimously, to overturn any decision of the manager. I ask the Minister to look at that proposal.

There is enormous scope for improvement in recycling. I fully accept the view that seeping landfill sites and toxic dumps here and there are no longer an acceptable way of dealing with waste. What I am going to say is informed by involvement in the debate taking place in south Tipperary about a very specific type of incinerator. I will not refer to the specifics of the case but I will make some general points.