Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)

The Senator has just referred to the wonderful free recycling service in Donegal. I am proposing to make it more attractive for consumers to avail of recycling by imposing a levy on landfill. The objective of the charge is to act as a deterrent. I also intend to introduce legislation to facilitate the development of waste-to-energy facilities, in respect of which the previous Government gave an undertaking. That Administration talked about action in this area; I will carry it out. I will ensure we have, for the first time, a proper waste management structure which complies with national and European law and thus ensures we will not face fines. The ordinary people whom the Senator and I represent want a better waste management infrastructure. They do not want to pay fines.