Paudie Coffey (Fine Gael)

I ask the Leader to pass on my welcome for the Taoiseach's signal last night that the current rate of the old age pension will be upheld, as far as possible. We are all aware that elderly people are probably the most vulnerable people in the community. They made an investment in the State by working to get us to where we are today. I would like the Leader to take into account the special request I am about to make. As we speak, the Department of Finance is preparing next year's budget. Many Senators met representatives of carers last week. We are aware that workers in the caring profession look after elderly people every day. They are under pressure in the current economic climate. They are saving the State enormous sums of money by caring for people in their own homes and communities, which is as it should be. I ask the Leader to set time aside at some stage in the future for a debate on the care of the elderly.

I am not sure what the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government will say when he launches the international review of waste management policy later today. Perhaps he will mention the proposed Poolbeg incinerator. According to the regional waste management plans that are in operation at the moment, an incinerator is planned for each region. The Minister has not given a clear direction to the local authorities which are engaging with these plans. As they push ahead with the development of five incinerators throughout the country, there is a conflict with the suggestion that a single incinerator will serve the entire country. I hope the Minister this afternoon will address the need to give local authorities a clear direction on waste management in this country. I will be interested to hear whether he does. Perhaps the Leader will take up the matter on behalf of the House.