Vol. 566 No. 3
439 Mr. O'Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he, his predecessor, or officials from his Department had access to interim reports of the Health Research Board report on the health and environmental effects of landfilling and incineration of waste; the dates such contacts took place; if he will publish correspondence in relation to this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12744/03]
440 Mr. O'Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the way in which and when his Department's attention has been drawn to the fact that the stated objectives of the Health Research Board's report, health and environmental effects of landfilling and incineration of waste, came to differ from the originally identified terms of reference; the nature of the differences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12745/03]
441 Mr. O'Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the contact his Department had with the external peer review appointed by the Health Research Board to study the findings of the report, health and environmental effects of landfilling and incineration of waste; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12746/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 439, 440 and 441 together.
In August 2001, my predecessor requested the Health Research Board to commission a study in order to provide an objective and expert analysis of information regarding the likely effects of landfill and thermal treatment, especially incineration, activities on public health and the environment. Six key terms of reference for the proposed study – ToR – were identified to the HRB.
A study team was subsequently selected by the HRB, with the assistance of independent external advisors – my Department had no involvement in this selection process. It is understood that this study team submitted a draft report to the HRB on or about the end of February 2002. This draft report was then subject to an external academic peer review process, intended to establish that it was of a requisite standard for publication by the HRB.
