Vol. 555 No. 1
10 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if his Department is considering the imposition of levies on soft drink cans, fast food packaging and chewing gum, having regard to the environmental damage being done by these items; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17348/02]
An Agreed Programme for Government states that consideration will be given to the extension of the levy on plastic bags to other areas such as non-reusable packaging. While my Department is actively considering the issues involved, final decisions have not yet been taken on the items which should be targeted as a priority in this regard.
11 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he has received the report of the Health Research Board study commissioned by his Department into the likely effects of landfill and thermal treatment which his predecessor told Dáil Éireann on 6 December 2001 was expected by the end of February 2002; if it is intended to publish the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17351/02]
45 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government when the study commissioned by the Government, on the effect of incinerators on the health of people living in the areas concerned, will be completed and published. [16134/02]
216 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he has received the report of the Health Research Board study commissioned by his Department into the likely effects of landfill and thermal treatment which he informed Dáil Éireann on 6 December 2001 was expected by the end of February 2002; if it is intended to publish the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17591/02]
360 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if the Health Research Board has completed the study he commissioned into the effects on public health and the environment of landfill and thermal treat ment of waste; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17768/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 11, 45, 216 and 360 together.
The Health Research Board, HRB, was requested to commission a study to provide an objective analysis of internationally available information regarding the likely effects of landfill and thermal treatment, especially incineration, activities on public health and the environment. I understand the study in question has been completed and that the report will be published by the HRB within a relatively short period of time.
