Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 6 Jun 1990

Vol. 399 No. 7

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Hospital Waste Disposal.

Roger T. Garland

Ceist:

12 Mr. Garland asked the Minister for Health, with reference to his reply to Parliamentary Question No. 48 of 1 May 1990, if he will outline the location of the county council tiphead; whether any hazardous or toxic hospital wastes are disposed of by deep burial in this tiphead; the categories of wastes which are disposed of in this manner and by incineration; the private contractor and the hospital which carry out the disposal; if he will outline his definition of infected waste as contained in the reply; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Dr. O'Hanlon

The location of the county council tiphead referred to in my reply of 1 May 1990 is Balleally, Rogerstown, in north County Dublin. Only non-infected general hospital wastes, which are neither hazardous nor toxic, are disposed of by deep burial at this tiphead. Infected hospital wastes are collected and incinerated off site by a private contractor — Clinical Waste Services Limited, trading as Bio-Burn. Some infected waste from Beaumont was incinerated at the Mater Hospital but this arrangement which lasted only for a short time, has been discontinued. Infected hospital waste includes pathological waste, infectious waste and sharps, which includes needles, syringes, scalpels and other items that could cause a cut or puncture.

Mr. Garland

Will the Minister state where the waste from Beaumont Hospital is now being incinerated as he said it is not being incinerated in the Mater Hospital.

An Ceann Comhairle

That is a specific question and worthy of a separate reply.

Mr. Garland

My information is that the Beaumont Hospital incinerator is still closed. Will the Minister say where their waste is now being incinerated?

Dr. O'Hanlon

I have referred to the firm by whom it is incinerated — Bio-Burn — trading as Clinical Waste Services Limited.

Mr. Garland

I understand. Would the Minister explain to the House why he has not replied to my letter of 26 March last regarding the disgraceful and appalling condition of the Mater Hospital incinerator?

An Ceann Comhairle

Again, we are getting down to a particular matter and a particular hospital. The Deputy should put down a separate question on the matter.

Mr. Garland

It is very serious.

An Ceann Comhairle

I do not doubt that, Deputy.

Mr. Garland

There are complaints being received in the area about the black smoke being emitted from the Mater Hospital, who contend that it takes only six minutes for this smoke to be emitted.

Dr. O'Hanlon

I will look into that matter for the Deputy but his question today is very specific and makes no reference to the Mater Hospital.