Michael Smith
Ceist:33 Mr. M. Smith asked the Minister for Health if he has satisfied himself that waste disposal in the health services is safe and environmentally friendly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1603/95]
Written Answers. - Waste Disposal in the Health Services.
Limerick East): Traditionally the waste arising in the health services has been disposed of in hospital incinerators. In recent years it has been recognised that these incinerators were not capable of meeting modern environmental standards. Many hospital incinerators have ceased to operate and the total quantity of healthcare waste being incinerated has been greatly reduced by the application of better management practices, with subsequent reduction of emissions into the atmosphere.
My Department has recently issued to the health agencies a policy document on the management of waste in the health services. The primary aims of this policy are to minimise the impact of waste on the environment and to bring about better conditions for those handling waste.
The Department has also written to the health boards and major voluntary hospitals, proposing a strategic plan which is currently the subject of discussions with the health agencies. The plan envisages four waste treatment centres and it suggests employing new technologies involving non-incineration methods. The implementation of this plan would lead to the phasing out of the remaining hospital incinerators.