Mary Harney
Question:28 Miss Harney asked the Minister for the Environment when he will prepare a comprehensive national strategy for recycling as promised by the Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - National Recycling Strategy.
Helen Keogh
Question:91 Ms Keogh asked the Minister for the Environment when he will prepare a comprehensive national strategy for recycling as promised by the Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Wexford): I propose to take Questions Nos. 28 and 91 together.
I intend that the national recycling strategy envisaged in the Programme for a Partnership Government should be completed as early as possible in the new year. This strategy will address all major issues related to the promotion of recycling in Ireland, including: pricing and market considerations, expanding recycling capacity within Irish industry, organisation of collection systems for recyclables, allocation of responsibilities between different players in the public, private and voluntary sectors, and the formulation of national targets. An important background to the national strategy will be provided by the draft EC Directive on Packaging Waste which is currently under negotiation.
Earlier this year I published a major consultancy study on recycling in Ireland as an input to the preparation of a national strategy. I invited industry, local authority, consumer and environmental interests to submit their views on the complex issues raised in the study and I am currently evaluating the responses. To complete the consultation process, I intend to hold a conference next month to consider these responses and other issues in more detail.