Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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My predecessor as Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Mr. John Gormley, appointed Mr. John Hennessy, SC, as an authorised person under section 224 of the Local Government Act 2001, to examine various financial matters arising in relation to the Waste to Energy facility proposed for Poolbeg.

I am considering the Hennessy Report in consultation with the Attorney General, including issues relating to publication, and am working to conclude this consideration as soon as possible.

The Programme for Government commits to the development of a coherent national waste policy, adhering to the waste hierarchy, which will aim to minimise waste disposal in landfill and maximise recovery. The waste policy will address all of the tiers of the waste hierarchy, including incineration. I am prioritising this commitment, as I am anxious to provide early certainty, in the form of both policy and legislation, to ensure that the necessary actions and investments are progressed to achieve those aims.

I intend, at an early opportunity, to advise the Oireachtas of the guiding principles which will inform the development of waste policy. I look forward to engaging with parliamentary colleagues and the range of interests in the waste sector in this regard.