Trevor Sargent
Ceist:116 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for the Environment the further steps, if any, he will take to reduce the levels of toxic waste and municipal waste.
Written Answers. - Waste Policy.
Wexford): As stated in the National Development Plan, the Government recognises the need for Irish waste policy to reflect the primacy accorded in EU policy to waste prevention, reduction and re-use. The Environmental Protection Agency Act, 1992 makes important provision in this regard by incorporating prevention and elimination of waste as explicit criteria in the new system of integrated pollution control which is now about to commence.
As detailed in reply to Question No. 76 of 26 April 1994, the Government have already implemented a range of measures for the promotion of cleaner technologies in Ireland. Further measures will be included in the Operational Programme for Environmental Services, 1994-1999 which is now being finalised. The possibility of a voluntary agreement on emissions reduction is being pursued with the Federation of Irish Chemical Industries.