I propose to take Questions Nos. 331 and 336 together.
In June 1998, the Environment Council adopted a common position on a proposed directive on the landfill of waste. The proposed directive is subject to co-operation, between Council and the European Parliament, and cannot enter into force until the relevant procedures under Article 189c of the Treaty on European Union are completed. Member states will be required to ensure the implementation of the directive not later than two years after its entry into force.
The proposed directive will require member states to ensure that all costs involved in the setting up and operation of a landfill facility, and the estimated costs of closure and aftercare, are covered by the price charged by the operator for the disposal of waste at that facility.
The operational and technical requirements provided for in the proposed directive have been anticipated by the comprehensive waste licensing system operated by the EPA under the Waste Management Act, 1996. Under the Waste Management (Licensing) Regulations, 1997, landfill facilities are licensable by the EPA on a phased basis in the period from 1 May 1997 to 1 March 1999. All landfill facilities, other than local authority facilities where the annual intake does not exceed 5,000 tonnes, are currently licensable; remaining facilities become licensable on 1 March 1999. It will be a matter for the relevant local authority to apply for a waste licence in respect of any such facility which it proposes to continue in operation after that date. Information on costs involved in compliance with EPA licensing requirements is not available in my Department.
Policy in relation to waste management is outlined in the recently published policy statement, Changing our Ways, a copy of which is in the Oireachtas Library.