Vol. 541 No. 2
271 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the plans he has to ban the composting of domestic waste of animal origin; the restrictions he has imposed on the disposal of this type of refuse; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22445/01]
349 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the discussions he has had with his UK counterpart regarding foot and mouth restrictions currently in place to control the composting of material of animal origin and domestic waste of animal origin; the plans he has to introduce similar restrictions here; the discussions his Department has had with the Environmental Protection Agency regarding this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22467/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 271 and 349 together.
During the foot and mouth crisis, I maintained close contact with my ministerial colleagues in Great Britain and in Northern Ireland with a particular focus on sharing information on developments in regard to the disease.
Procedures for the disposal off-site of all waste and left-over material, including belly grass from meat processing and all land spreading activities associated with such enterprises, must be undertaken in accordance with a specific nutrient management plan which is provided for under the terms of an integrated pollution control licence. These licences are issued and controlled by the Environmental Protection Agency and the disposal and treatment of all waste may only take place in accordance with the provisions of licences and with the agreement of the EPA.
The disposal of "material of animal origin" would fall under swill controls administered by my Department. The Diseases of Animals (Feeding and Use of Swill) Orders, 1985, 1987 and 2001 provide for comprehensive controls on swill as a protective measure against the introduction or spread of disease. In particular, swill processing premises are required to be registered and hygiene and production standards for the transport and processing of swill are established. The feeding of raw swill or swill derived from aircraft, ships or offshore installations is prohibited. In addition, I made orders earlier this year in this context of the FMD, the effect of which are to prohibit the collection and feeding of specified material to animals. This ban encompasses the feeding of domestic, restaurant and other catering waste to all live animals.
I have been advised by the EPA that composting of animal derived material would not be permitted. Such material would have to be treated as swill or disposed of by landfill as incineration is not yet an option.
I would also point out that local authorities have instructions on these matters as the delegated competent authorities in regions charged with waste disposal management.
