Vol. 475 No. 4
176 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for the Environment if the national recycling strategy will result in all Government bodies, national and local, using recycled stationery in view of the fact that a similar political decision in Denmark resulted in the establishment of the Maglemotte papermill which has created much employment and saved on imports of paper and unnecessary expenditure on landfill. [5124/97]
The national recycling strategy indicated that the Government would promote the use and purchase of products made from recycled materials. The Green Government Guide, which was circulated to all Government Departments last year, represents an important initiative in this direction. The Green Government initiative seeks to promote better environmental management by all Government bodies, with particular emphasis on the use of recycled paper and other materials and the recycling of wastes. It is intended to extend these principles of green housekeeping to the wider public sector.
178 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for the Environment the progress and plans, if any, there are regarding EU Directive 85/339/EEC on containers of liquid for human consumption in view of the growing trend in Ireland, but not in other developed countries, towards greater use of one-trip containers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5126/97]
The EU Directive referred to has been repealed. Progress on re-use and recycling of packaging waste generally has been set out in the reply to Questions Nos. 21, 75 and 128 on today's Order Paper.
179 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for the Environment the facilities, if any, which exist for the separate collection of batteries in all categories, for watches, walkmans and cars, in view of the fact that almost six years have elapsed since Council Directive 91/157/EEC was adopted; and the improvements, if any, the public can expect in the availability of facilities and the safe recycling of such batteries or their eventual safe disposal. [5127/97]
I refer to the reply to Question No. 69 of 13 June 1996.
The vast majority of automative-type lead-acid batteries are collected separately within the motor trade and otherwise under informal arrangements. I have been encouraging the development of measures for more systematic collection systems such as the pilot scheme launched by the Society of the Irish Motor Industry for the separate collection and recovery of batteries. In addition, I have approved a waste management grant for the provision of a more broadly-based collection system and treatment facility. I am also considering the need for regulations under the Waste Management Act, 1996 to provide statutory support for such arrangements and for the collection of other batteries to which EU Directive 91/157/EEC applies.
