Vol. 497 No. 1
22 Ms McManus asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the progress, if any, to date in regard to implementing the commitment in An Action Programme for the Millennium on the establishment of an Irish eco label; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24093/98]
I am assessing how best to fulfil the Government's commitment to the establishment of an Irish eco label with due regard to developments on the issue at European level.
The European Commission has presented proposals to amend the European Eco label scheme — Council Regulation 880/92 — and streamline its operational procedures. These proposals are currently being discussed by EU member states. Key objectives of the Commission proposals include the prioritisation of product groups which are widely traded in the EU market and measures to minimise variation in criteria and labels for the same products across the EU. Taking account of the ongoing developments on these proposals, I will be asking Comhar, the new National Sustainable Development Partnership, on its establishment shortly, to consider and report to me on the options for and best approach to eco labelling in Ireland.
In the meantime, good progress is being made, under the existing EU scheme, in increasing the number of product groups for which ecological criteria are set. To date, criteria have been agreed for 13 product groups and over 200 products across the Community — including in Ireland — carry the label. In the coming months, my Department, in collaboration with the European Commission and NSAI, the competent body for eco labelling in Ireland, will be undertaking promotional measures to increase awareness of eco labelling amongst producers, consumers and the general public.
