Paul Bradford
Question:8 Mr. Bradford asked the Minister for the Environment the results of the project carried out to investigate the feasibility of using recycled newspaper for animal bedding. [2384/94]
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Recycled Newsprint.
Peter Barry
Question:29 Mr. Barry asked the Minister for the Environment the results of the project carried out to investigate the feasibility of using recycled newspaper for animal bedding. [2386/94]
John Browne
Question:41 Mr. Browne (Carlow-Kilkenny) asked the Minister for the Environment the results of the project carried out to investigate the feasibility of using recycled newspaper for animal bedding. [2382/94]
Michael Lowry
Question:48 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for the Environment the results of the project carried out to investigate the feasibility of using recycled newspaper for animal bedding. [2388/94]
Charles Flanagan
Question:76 Mr. Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment the results of the project carried out to investigate the feasibility of using recycled newspaper for animal bedding. [2389/94]
Seán Barrett
Question:106 Mr. Barrett asked the Minister for the Environment the results of the project carried out to investigate the feasibility of using recycled newspaper for animal bedding. [2416/94]
Wexford): I propose to reply to Questions Nos. 8, 29, 41, 48, 76 and 106 together.
Following discussions earlier this year with National Newspapers of Ireland on their potential contribution to recycling, it was agreed that National Newspapers of Ireland and my Department should co-sponsor a study on the feasibility of increased use of newsprint waste for animal bedding and related purposes. The study is being carried out by Teagasc and is due for completion early in 1995. Initial indications are promising both as regards animal health safety and potential new market capacity.
Do we have to wait until 1995 before we know the outcome of this study? Does the Minister agree that the disposal of paper presents a difficulty because, as my colleague, Deputy Bruton, mentioned it is very difficult to find a use for newspaper which I understand accounts for 23 per cent of domestic waste? I trust the use of waste newspaper for animal bedding will be successful. Will the Minister hurry up matters?
(Wexford): The study was commissioned in March this year. The first phase has been completed and phases 2, 3 and 4 which involve an assessment of the chemistry of the paper, an animal behaviour study and slurry studies respectively are currently in progress. I agree that the disposal of newspaper is a problem. It was felt that the newspaper industry would have to be involved and the Department managed to do so on a shared basis and as much pressure as possible will be brought to bear to ensure a speedy conclusion to the study.