asked the Minister for the Environment if, in view of the recent report produced by Eolas, which showed that between 4,000 and 5,000 tonnes of toxic chemical waste have disappeared over the past three years he intends to introduce a licensing system for the storage and handling of toxic substances; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Toxic Substances.
19.
I can assure the Deputy that there is no recent Eolas report on the lines suggested. References in the media to disappearance of a large quantity of toxic chemical waste appears to be based on a misunderstanding of the context of a report which was compiled by the IIRS several years ago. In this respect, I would refer the Deputy to my detailed statement in reply to his question of 3 February 1988 in which I listed the hazardous waste disposal outlets disclosed by a 1985 survey and explained the extensive statutory powers available to local authorities to control all aspects of hazardous waste disposal. These powers include a permit system for the storage, treatment or deposit of toxic and dangerous wastes.