Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 10 Feb 1993

Vol. 425 No. 7

Written Answers. - Waste Disposal Legislation.

Peter Barry

Question:

261 Mr. Barry asked the Minister for the Environment when he proposes to introduce the new Bill pertaining to the regulation, movement and disposal of waste; the reason for the delay in its implementation in view of the fact that it was publicly announced by the then Minister for the Environment, at the annual International Conference on the Management of Landfill Sites in Cork in 1991; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment (Mr. Browne

, Wexford): The programme for a partnership Government has a specific undertaking to introduce comprehensive legislation on waste management.

A considerable amount of work has already been carried out on the preparation of this Waste Bill, but I cannot indicate precisely when it will be published. My aim is to finalise proposals for Government approval by the summer.

While preparation of the new Bill is taking some time the Environmental Protection Agency Act, 1992 contains important new provisions on waste and effect is being given to ongoing EC requirements by means of various interim regulations. In addition, a consultative seminar based on an informal discussion paper on waste prepared by the Department was held in July last year to obtain the views of a wide range of interested organisations on some of the major issues involved. The views expressed are now being taken into account in the preparation of the legislation.