Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 15 Feb 2001

Vol. 530 No. 5

Written Answers. - Waste Management.

Dan Neville

Question:

128 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has examined the health effects of incineration of refuse; if he is concerned with the health implications; if his attention has been drawn to the views of the Irish Doctors Environmental Association; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4415/01]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

The development of policy on waste management including the use of incineration for refuse disposal is the responsibility of the Minister for the Environment and Local Government and the Environmental Protection Agency.

I am advised that there are no incineration facilities for dealing with municipal waste in operation here. In the event of planning permission being sought for such a facility, the public health implications of waste incineration would be taken account of in the planning process.

I am aware that concerns have been expressed by the Irish Doctors Environmental Association over the use of incinerators to dispose of waste and the consequent impact on humans and the environment.

There is an ongoing debate on the possible use of incineration and other thermal treatments as part of an integrated approach to waste management. I am concerned to ensure that the implications for public health of policy decisions in relation to the environment are taken into account. My Department is represented on the green network of Government Departments and on the European Environment and Health Committee.