Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)

I am trying to use financial instruments in order to divert away from landfill. I make no apologies for that because it is what must be done to ensure we do not find ourselves in breach of landfill directives in the future. Equally, it is the correct action to take for the environment. Proposals on commercial and household food regulations are out for public consultation and Senators are entitled to make a submission in that regard. I also intend to introduce measures to reduce the volume of packaging materials used by businesses and wholesalers. I am taking this opportunity to inform service providers that major decisions will be made in the autumn in regard to waste policy. This way, there will be no confusion for people in the business that there will a levy increase on 1 September and others in 2012 and 2013 to divert from landfill to other uses in the waste management structure. I agree that we need uniformity with regard to the application of the three bin system. That is exactly what we will try to do between now and the end of the year.