Ulick Burke (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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Question 59: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the involvement he has had, in conjunction with Dublin City Council, to ensure an adequate waste strategy for the Dublin region; and if he will make a statement on the matter [42798/09]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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In accordance with the provisions of the Waste Management Act, the preparation and adoption of a waste management plan is the statutory responsibility of the local authority or authorities concerned, and under section 60(3) of the Act the Minister is precluded from exercising any power or control in relation to the performance by a local authority in particular circumstances of a statutory function vested in it.

However, it is the role of the Minister and Government to set the policy framework within which local authorities can deliver on their statutory obligations in accordance with best practice and national and EU objectives and targets. On taking up office I committed to a major review of how we manage our waste in line with a commitment in this regard in the Programme for Government.

It is clear that we need a regulatory framework which properly addresses the ownership of waste, facilitates the management of waste at the highest possible level of the waste hierarchy, and addresses the costs of waste management in Ireland which are seen to be out of line with other countries. Utilising a report prepared for me by consultants to underpin the policy review, and which I published last week, I will be bringing a new policy statement to Government with a view to its publication as early as possible in 2010. This will provide certainty for those in the waste management sector and a framework within which the necessary legislative changes can be brought forward. In the interim it will allow local authorities to begin to tailor their waste management plans and strategies to the new reality.