Vol. 558 No. 3
18 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government when he expects to receive the report of the Health Research Board study commissioned by his Department into the likely effects of landfill and thermal treatment which his predecessor 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. [23875/02]
26 Dr. Twomey asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if there will be a need to revise the thermal treatment element of regional waste management plans in view of negative findings arising from the health study, when it is published. [23888/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 18 and 26 together.
The Health Research Board, HRB, was requested last year 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 outcome of the study in question is under consideration by the HRB, and that the board hopes to be in a position to publish a study report within a relatively short time.
Its findings should serve to inform ongoing public consideration of issues associated with waste management.
