There is a reference on page 7 of the programme for Government to wanting a green Ireland to inform all areas of policy and having one of the cleanest, safest environments in the world. The latter is something with which nobody can disagree. Residents of my city, Limerick, are extremely concerned that the ambition in the community is about to go up in smoke. Irish Cement was recently given permission to burn tyres and other rubbish at an incinerator in Castlemungret outside the city. Castlemungret is a suburb in which are located homes, sports fields and community facilities. The local community is completely opposed to this plan and we are extremely concerned about the impact it will have on the area and on people's health. Will the Government intervene and ensure that this plan does not go ahead? I would appreciate a response from the Taoiseach or the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Deputy Bruton.

Licensing of a plant such as that to which the Deputy refers falls within the remit of the independent Environmental Protection Agency. It makes decisions on applications and polices compliance with the conditions that it imposes on applications. It does not fall to the political system or to the Minister to make decisions on these matters, which have to be based on scientific evaluation and scrutiny of the individual application.