Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)

I do not want to delay proceedings, but I am pleased there is a good substantive discussion on this matter even if, as Senator Dardis said, one is not sure what section we are dealing with.

I do not like doing this to Senator Bannon, but the Longford application was wholly inadequate and unacceptable in its quality, presentation, documentation and back-up material. I will go no further, as I have made my point, and I want Longford to be involved as much as any other area. However, we must ask why some local authorities are doing exceptionally well while others are not. It comes down to leadership on both sides at local level. Having said that, I want to encourage all local authorities. I will work with and fund their activities, but there has to be a good basis for that work.

Regarding Senator Henry's point, we have a national waste prevention programme and a market development programme for recyclables. I am excited by the fact that so many sectors of Irish industry are now becoming involved and taking on responsibilities in this area. I am heartened by the public attitude to this because it is changing substantially. These plans worked in other countries and one is not taking from the other.