I propose to take Questions Nos. 12 and 62 together.
I can confirm to Deputy Byrne my decision not to proceed with the proposal for a central clinical waste incinerator at St. James's Hospital.
The information requested by Deputy Garland in relation to hospital waste disposal arrangements around the country, is not available in my Department. I have recently initiated a survey which it is hoped will provide this and other information relevant to hospital waste disposal practices.
The current general policy on hospital waste is to segregate it into clinical and non-clinical components, the clinical waste being incinerated and the nonclinical or domestic waste being sent to landfill. My Department are currently carrying out a study of the options for clinical waste disposal. These options include incineration at a number of locations throughout the country as well as a number of alternative methods to incineration. It is intended that this study will lead to a waste management plan for clinical waste in keeping with modern requirements.