Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 454: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the extent to which the waste management Act is intended to legislate for the waste management sector in the future; if he has proposed any changes; the basis and nature for any such changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37694/10]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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I have indicated my intention to publish an Environmental (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill later this session which, inter alia, will amend the Waste Management Act 1996 to provide for greater flexibility in the setting of both the plastic bag levy and the landfill levy. It will also introduce a waste facility levy for waste sent to incineration facilities. The Act will also be amended later this year by regulations to be made under the European Communities Act 1972, to transpose the provisions of the Waste Framework Directive (2008/98/EC).

In addition, on 15 July 2010 I published a Draft Statement of Waste Policy for public consultation which 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.

The period of public consultation closed on 1 October 2010 and I am now considering the submissions received with a view to bringing a final policy statement to Government for decision at the earliest opportunity. This will provide a framework within which further necessary legislative changes, including to the Waste Management Acts, can be brought forward.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 455: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his current or intended policy in respect of waste management with particular reference to incineration, landfill and or reuse and recycling; the intended proportions of total waste likely to be treated under each heading in the future; the extent of national and international advice on the more appropriate disposal means in order of choice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37695/10]

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 involves 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, was published in November 2009. On 15 July 2010, I published a Draft Statement of Waste Policy for public consultation which 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. The draft statement is available on my Department's website at www.environ.ie.

The consultation period closed on 1 October last and I am currently considering the submissions received. I will be bringing a final policy statement, which will also be informed by the Waste Framework Directive, to Government for decision at the earliest opportunity. This will provide certainty for those in the waste management sector and a framework within which the necessary legislative changes can be brought forward.