Vol. 486 No. 3
78 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he will confirm that it is the policy of the Government that facilities for disposal of hazardous waste are being installed to attract more industries which produce such waste, as recently expressed by a Minister for State at his Department. [2471/98]
Waste management policy aims to promote the prevention, minimisation and recovery of all wastes, including hazardous waste, and the safe disposal of wastes which cannot be prevented or recovered. In relation to waste management infrastructure, our policy objectives are to expand the facilities available for waste recovery and to develop self-sufficiency in relation to waste disposal facilities, serving the twin objectives of promoting a high level of environmental protection and supporting Irish industry and economic activity.
Primary responsibility for dealing with hazardous waste lies with the holder or producer of the waste. In the case of largescale industrial activities, on-site facilities are generally provided for the treatment of waste. The direct provision of such facilities may be uneconomic or technically inappropriate for individual small and medium size enterprises which generate smaller quantities of waste. It is more usual, therefore, for these to avail of the services of an outside waste management contractor here or abroad. However, the absence of adequate facilities in Ireland can inhibit competitiveness.
I recently approved grants for the provision of facilities to deal with hazardous waste and, in the selection of projects for approval, I gave high priority to the needs of the small and medium size enterprise sector, which is an important contributor to national economic growth. The grants are funded by the EU under the Operational Programme for Environmental Services, 1994-99.
The EPA is at present carrying out a comprehensive review of national strategy for the management of hazardous waste. It is envisaged that a proposed national plan on hazardous waste will be published by EPA this spring. The plan, when adopted, will provide comprehensive guidance for further development of policy and performance on hazardous waste.
