asked the Minister for Local Government if he has plans for the recycling of organic waste.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Organic Waste Recycling.
26.
As I explained in reply to the Deputy's question of 3rd May last in this matter, the practical recycling of waste is as yet at an early stage of investigation and development. To a large extent it is tied up with technical developments in industry and agriculture. My Department are concerned with the waste collection and disposal system operated by local authorities and with the impact of waste on the environment, especially in regard to water and air pollution. Practice in these areas is at present being reviewed and contact will be maintained with developments of interest in recycling. For example, the draft environment programme proposed for adoption in the EEC provides for examination of various aspects of the waste problem and we will have the opportunity of taking part in that work and benefiting from the result.
Does that long statement mean that the Minister has done nothing in the last six months?
That long statement is a repeat of what I told the Deputy six months ago. I pointed out at the time that, according to the Department's chief engineering advisors, recycling of organic waste does not pay and there is no demand for it anyway. It is only done with ferrous metals, paper and glass. Such recycling is done on a very limited scale here. It is entirely uneconomic for local authorities to introduce it. Deputy Lemass puts down questions which appear to be intelligent and repeats them but he is making a big mistake if he thinks he is going to get away with that kind of thing.
Is the Minister aware that in places like Liverpool, Manchester, and Cologne this recycling has proved profitable and has brought about a reduction in the tax on local rates?
I am not aware and I do not believe that it is so.
The Minister should check this up and take the advice of his officials.
The Deputy should go to the people in Cratloe in County Clare and find out.
Monaghan is occupying my time at the moment and I saw the Deputy there last week-end.