Vol. 429 No. 7
75 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment the plans, if any, he has for legislation to deal with the disposal of used polythene silage wrappings, fertilizer packages, and other non-biodegradable agricultural wastes.
Wexford): Under the EC STRIDE Operational Programme for Ireland, 1991-1993, my Department has commissioned a study into the reuse and recycling of large plastic sheeting arising from activities in a number of sectors of the economy, including the building and commercial sectors, but particularly in the agriculture and horticulture areas. The study will take into account technical and economic barriers to recycling including the markets for recycled material.
My Department has also recently published a major study on recycling in Ireland, from the domestic and commercial waste stream. The Government is committed to developing a national recycling strategy and as a first step in this process I have invited industry, recycling and consumer interests and local authorities for their views on the issues raised in this study.
I will await the outcome of these initiatives before considering whether further legislative measures may be necessary to deal with these particular agriculture related wastes.
