James Bannon (Fine Gael)

The Minister referred to the outdated systems in place perhaps 20 years ago. Recently, a large number of councillors from across the country were taken to Germany to view what is considered a state-of-the-art facility which uses the latest technologies. Those responsible for compiling waste management plans for a number of regions co-sponsored the visits. Is the Minister aware that, within three weeks of one such visit by a number of councillors from the midlands, the facility was closed down on health and safety grounds?

I strongly oppose incineration. No one knows how long a facility must be operating before it is considered tried and tested. Despite evidence that incineration causes damage to health, the Government has done nothing to allay people's fears. If we were to hold a public meeting on incineration tomorrow morning, 500 to 600 people would attend.