Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)

I second Senator Fitzgerald's proposed amendment to the Order of Business. I share her hope that progress is made in the ongoing talks in the North.

I hope the Leader would agree that now is an opportune time to hold a debate on waste policy, in which regard confusion has arisen between what we thought was Government policy and recent ministerial comments. I ask how the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government proposes to annul the contract between Dublin City Council and Covanta to prevent the incinerator at Poolbeg proceeding. There is concern in the city about it. At a minimum, the matter needs clarification. Given that he represents the Government in this House, perhaps the Leader can offer his preliminary thoughts on how the construction of this incinerator can be halted. I think we would agree we should have a debate on waste policy and I hope the Leader can arrange for Members as soon as possible to allow the Minister to make a statement to the House.