Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 45: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his waste management policy for the short, medium and long term; the roles that re-use, recycling, reduction, landfill and incineration are likely to play in such policy; if any policy changes are contemplated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30717/10]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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The programme for Government agreed in 2007 signalled a fundamental change of policy in relation to waste management. Reflecting the ambition of the Programme commitment, I have made it clear that I want to see a sustainable, resource-based approach to waste management. This will involve a shift in focus, from residual waste management options such as landfill and incineration, to technologies such as Mechanical Biological Treatment which can maximise the value to be extracted from what should be viewed as a resource rather than as a waste.

The Programme's objectives to implement this policy change included a commitment to carry out an international review of waste management plans, practices and procedures and to act on the conclusions. The report, by a group of Irish and international consultants engaged to carry out a major study to underpin the conclusion of the review, was published in November 2009.

In the coming weeks I will be publishing a consultation document which will set out the various elements being considered as part of the development of a new national waste management policy for the coming decade and beyond. Its core objective will be to set Ireland on an ambitious trajectory towards high value, high quality resource and waste management, using leading edge technology with significant potential to add value and create jobs in the economy.