Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)

The programme showed footage of a tyre fire in Campsey, County Derry, and the toxic fumes it caused. In England, people have been jailed for this sort of illegal dumping.

Will the Leader invite the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy John Gormley, to the House to debate this matte? He appeared on last night's programme. I have every sympathy for him as he introduced measures two years ago to allow the industry to be self-regulating. It plainly has failed as he said last night.

This is a serious issue because it affects towns and villages throughout the country. If any of those tyre mountains were to go on fire, the resultant toxic fumes alone, apart from other collateral damage, could have a serious effect on people's lives and health. Coillte has to deal with the illegal dumping of worn tyres on its properties, the removal of which costs the taxpayer €750,000 a year. This is an important issue which requires legislation. Will the Leader ask the Minister to attend the House to outline his proposals for dealing with the matter?