I propose to take Questions Nos. 407 and 408 together.
Under section 59 of the 1996 Act, each local authority is responsible for the supervision, and the enforcement, of the relevant provisions of the Act in relation to the holding, recovery and disposal of waste within its functional area. Neither functions of this kind nor in relation to the investigation of unauthorised waste activities have been conferred on the Minister for the Environment and Local Government.
Arising from certain allegations, documented by an individual water keeper, received in my Department concerning waste activities at or connected with a facility managed by a company which received grant assistance under the Operational Programme for Environmental Services, 1994-1999, I arranged for an officer of my Department to undertake an inspection. I have recently received a report on the matter, and without prejudice to the legal position outlined above, when I have fully considered that report, I will determine a suitable course of action, including if appropriate the forwarding of all relevant papers.