Mary Harney
Question:372 Miss Harney asked the Minister for the Environment the steps, if any, he proposes to take to encourage recycling and to assist the recycling industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15863/96]
Written Answers. - Recycling Industry.
Support for recycling in Ireland is being intensified, in line with the policies and targets established in the Government's national recycling strategy. An increased financial provision, supported by EU co-financing, is now available to promote recycling infrastructure; applications under this new grant scheme are being assessed by my Department and a first block of grants will be announced shortly.
The industry led REPAK initiative is being mobilised and I am at present considering, in consultation with REPAK, the establishment of appropriate regulatory support for the initiative within the range of powers available under the Waste Management Act, 1996.
The Environmental Protection Agency National Waste Database Report 1995, which has been published today, shows that recycling in Ireland is increasing rapidly. The percentage of household waste recycled rose from 1.4 per cent in 1993 to 4.3 per cent in 1995. The percentage of overall packaging waste recycled from the municipal waste stream has risen from a reported 10.3 per cent in 1994 to 15.6 per cent in 1995.
I consulted other EU member states and the European Commission regarding possible international action to improve the situation at the informal meeting of EU Environment Ministers and Commissioner Bjerragaard held in Dublin last weekend. There was agreement as to the need for urgent consideration to be given to measures at national and-or Community level which will encourage more stable and adequate markets for recyclables. These could include public procurement based initiatives and incentives for sourcing a minimum quota of raw materials from recyclables.