Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 13 Nov 1996

Vol. 471 No. 5

Written Answers. - Refrigerated Containers.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

113 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for the Environment the standards which have been set for the disinfecting of the refrigerated food containers which have been filled with hundreds of tonnes of infected clinical waste when they revert to ordinary food storage; the Department or body which will test the containers after they have been cleaned and disinfected; and the certification, if any, which is required. [21024/96]

Minister for the Environment (Mr. Howlin)

I have no function in relation to standards applicable to the use of refrigerated containers for the purpose of food storage.

The Waste Management Act, 1996 provides that a person shall not hold waste in a manner that causes or is likely to cause environmental pollution. Each local authority is responsible for the supervision and enforcement of the provisions of the Act in relation to the holding of waste within its functional area.