Seamus Kirk
Question:38 Mr. Kirk asked the Minister for the Environment the results to date of his efforts to persuade the United Kingdom to allow Ireland to continue shipping medical waste for treatment in that country. [17852/96]
Written Answers. - Hazardous Waste Disposal.
The UK management plan for exports and imports of waste allows for continued exports of Irish hazardous wastes requiring high temperature incineration, including some clinical wastes, on an indefinite basis.
On 4 September 1996, a written submission was made by my Department to the UK Department of the Environment seeking an exemption from the UK imports ban in respect of all healthcare risk waste arising in Ireland, for the period to the end of 1997. A formal response from the UK authorities is expected shortly.