Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 23 Feb 2000

Vol. 515 No. 1

Written Answers. - Waste Management.

Ulick Burke

Question:

185 Mr. U. Burke asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if it is his intention to amend legislation under the Waste Management Act, 1996, or other legislation in relation to the disposal of hospital waste; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5422/00]

Minister for the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Dempsey):

I have no proposals to introduce legislation on the disposal of health care risk waste from hospitals.

The Waste Management Act, 1996, places a general duty on holders of waste not to hold, transport, recover or dispose of waste in a manner causing, or likely to cause, environmental pollution. It is a matter for waste holders to make appropriate arrangements for the recovery or disposal of waste. Arrangements for the disposal of health care risk waste arisings are a matter in the first instance for the Minister for Health and Children. Under joint arrangements agreed between the Departments of Health here and in Northern Ireland a single contract has been awarded for management of this waste in both jurisdictions. I am advised that the new facility involved will be operational in March 2000 and, in the meantime, health care risk waste arisings will continue to be exported for disposal.

Ulick Burke

Question:

186 Mr. U. Burke asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the plans, if any, he has to introduce legislation or the other proposals, if any, he has to facilitate urban district councils increase tonnage at landfill sites; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5423/00]

Minister for the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Dempsey):

I am currently examining the need for an amendment to the Waste Management Act, 1996, to facilitate expansion, by an urban district council, of an existing landfill facility to extend its use in the context of effective regional waste management.