Roger T. Garland
Question:244 Mr. Garland asked the Minister for the Environment when he intends to ban the manufacture and importation of all ozone depleting substances.
Written Answers. - Ozone Depleting Substances.
Ivor Callely
Question:245 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for the Environment if he will list the suppliers and users of CFC's in Ireland; if he will outline the progress which has been made to reduce and eliminate the use of these substances; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Roger T. Garland
Question:246 Mr. Garland asked the Minister for the Environment when he intends to ban all ozone depleting substances.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 244, 245 and 246 together.
I refer to the replies to Question No. 336 of 18 February, 1992 and to Questions Nos. 29, 122, 143, 145 and 148 of 25 March, 1992.
Within the EC, controls arising from the Montreal Protocol on the production and use of CFCs and other ozone depleting substances are operated on a community-wide basis. This regional approach is rational and effective; overall community sales of the main CFCs have been reduced by more than 40 per cent between 1986 and 1990.
CFCs and related substances are not produced in Ireland and our overall use of them is small. The latest figures available to my Department show annual national usage of the main CFCs at approximately 2,500 tonnes; this represents a decrease broadly in line with the pattern in the Community as a whole. My Department has had good cooperation with the CII, FICI and the principal users in encouraging the earliest possible phase out here of ozone depleting substances.
In accordance with the agreement reached at the Environment Council on 23 March, 1992, the EC Commission has submitted a draft Regulation providing for the elimination of production and use of the main ozone depleting substances by 31 December, 1995. Ireland has fully supported this timetable.