The development of policy on waste management, including the use of incineration for refuse disposal, is the responsibility of the Minister for the Environment and Local Government and the Environmental Protection Agency. In general, waste management objectives are designed to minimise waste production, encourage recycling and energy recovery while ensuring safe and nuisance free management and disposal so as to protect public health and safeguard the environment. Emissions from waste incineration can contain dioxins which are persistent organic pollutants. In 2001, the Minister for the Environment and Local Government commissioned the Health Research Board to undertake a study into the health impact of landfill sites and incinerators. I am advised that this research is ongoing.