Michael Finucane (Fine Gael)

The most contentious issue facing local authorities is incineration. Plans for incinerators in Duleek and Ringaskiddy were turned down. The Minister for the Environment and Local Government and the Minister for Health and Children should look more closely at the issue of incineration. Members may be aware of a study done in Cumbria over 37 years of residents living near incinerators and crematoria. It has come up with definitive medical evidence that babies have a 17% greater risk of being born with spina bifida and that mothers have a 12% greater risk of contracting various heart conditions. In many cases, many of those protesting against incinerators cite medical issues. We now have direct evidence that there are difficulties and should take stock of the situation. Perhaps we need to reconsider our attitude to incineration.