Shane McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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Question 630: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his policy in relation to incineration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13835/08]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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The Programme for Government contains a range of commitments in respect of waste management policy centred on the Government's continued support for the internationally recognised waste hierarchy which places major emphasis on the prevention, reuse and recycling of waste while minimising reliance on landfill and other disposal options. This commitment to the waste hierarchy has added significance in the context of the requirements of the EU Landfill Directive to divert waste from landfill. Meeting this obligation will entail doubling the existing level of diversion from landfill by 2010 and further increases in diversion in subsequent years.

The Programme contains major commitments in relation to national waste policy, including, in particular, an emphasis on moving away from a high reliance on incineration. In this regard it is intended that there will be an increased commitment to the use of alternative technologies, including mechanical and biological treatment. This is a process which will be assisted by the major review of waste policy, also provided for in the Programme, which is now being initiated.