Bernard Allen
Question:265 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government his Department's policy regarding the use of landfill to meet waste management requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17650/02]
Written Answers. - Waste Management.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:374 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government his proposals to deal with waste management with particular reference to reduction and recycling; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17849/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 265 and 374 together.
An Agreed Programme for Government sets out the Governments priorities in relation to waste management, including issues relating to prevention, recycling and the use of landfill. In particular, the programme provides that the Government will ensure that local authority waste management plans are fully and speedily implemented; intensify waste prevention efforts through an ambitious and well-resourced national waste prevention programme; significantly expand recycling efforts; extend producer responsibility initiatives at industry level; ensure that the volumes of waste going to landfill are significantly reduced and establish a number of new structures in support of waste management initiatives generally, and recycling in particular.
In addition, the policy statement, Preventing and Recycling Waste: Delivering Change, published in March this year, addresses the factors and practical considerations that are relevant to the achievement of Government policy objectives in relation to the prevention and recovery of waste.