Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 282: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his current or proposed policy in respect of waste management; if he will proceed with the options available to him; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36329/09]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 288: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his current or expected policy in relation to landfill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36335/09]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 282 and 288 together.

The Programme for Government published in 2007 contained a commitment to establish new ambitious waste management targets for maximum prevention, re-use, recycling and modern waste treatment to ensure that we match the best performance in the EU for recycling with the objective that only 10% of waste or less is consigned to landfill and to ensure that the landfills currently provided for under regional waste management plans should be the last to be constructed for a generation. The reviewed Programme for Government underlines the Government's commitment to ensuring that Ireland reaches its ambitious targets in waste management.

In addition, the Programme contained a commitment to carry out an international review of waste management plans, practices and procedures and act on its conclusions. This review is currently underway and a significant milestone was reached last week when consultants delivered a major international report on waste management policy. My Department is currently examining this report and its recommendations which will be central to informing what further measures may be necessary to underpin sustainable waste management services, whether delivered by the private or public sectors. Ireland must also meet challenging targets under the EU Landfill Directive for the diversion of biodegradable municipal 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.

Following extensive consultation, the National Strategy on Biodegradable Waste was published in April 2006 and is aimed at diverting 80% of biodegradable municipal waste from landfill through segregated collection and the generation of compost. I have also indicated my intention to introduce primary legislation to allow significant increases in the landfill levy. My Department, in addition, has initiated a public consultation on a Statutory Instrument which will require the source segregation and appropriate treatment of food waste arising from commercial premises.

Last year, I issued a circular to all local authorities to drive forward the roll out of brown bins and promote the use of home composting and the National Waste Report 2007 indicates increased quantities are being dealt with by home composting. I am confident that all of the above measures will contribute significantly to the achievement of the targets for the diversion of biodegradable waste from landfill and a reduction in our overall use of landfill.