Conflicting statements from Fianna Fail and the Green Party on incinerators has led to accusations that the coalition parties disagree over controversial plans for waste disposal sites.
The Taoiseach Bertie Ahern today claimed that four, of the eight incinerators originally proposed, would be needed around the country, but Minister for the Environment John Gormley recently insisted there is only a need for two waste-to-energy incinerators.
Mr Ahern added today that Mr Gormley's estimate depended on the adoption of Nordic waste disposal policies, but the Opposition claims the Taoiseach is undermining his coalition partners.
Labour spokesperson Joanna Tuffy said today: "Minister Gormley is at the receiving end of a sharp lesson in being the junior partner in a Fianna Fail-led Government.
"One would have to ask just who is in charge of our waste management policy. John Gormley's credibility has been seriously damaged in what amounts to a humiliating rebuke."
Fine Gael's Phil Hogan TD was similarly scathing, describing Mr Gormley as deluded after his claims that the statements were not at odds with eachother.
"There is a rift between John Gormley and Bertie Ahern a mile wide and the Environment Minister's comments that all is rosey in the Government Garden are embarrassing. Does he not recognise a split when he sees one or is he really that clueless about what is going on?"
The Fine Gael TD added: "The Minister's incineration comments have been contradicted by his own Taoiseach, his own remarks on the split are delusional and his figures on waste strategy do not add up. After only a few months in the job, disarray and disorder haunt the Environment Ministry and its waste strategy."
An Bord Pleanala has recently approved plans to expand the incinerator at Duleek, Co Meath and at Ringaskiddy, Co Cork.