Joe Higgins
Question:326 Mr. Higgins (Dublin West) asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he will make a statement on the success or otherwise of the implementation of the objectives of the packaging directive. [4819/99]
Written Answers. - Waste Management.
I am satisfied that useful progress has been made in Ireland towards achieving the objectives of Directive 94/62/EC on packaging and packaging waste. In particular, the proposal by Repak Limited to develop its operations during 1999, and to enter into contractual arrangements for the recycling of up to 112,000 tonnes of packaging waste, will go a long way towards the achievement of Ireland's interim packaging waste recovery targets under the directive. The European Commission has not yet reported on the implementation within the European Community of Directive 94/62/EC.
Packaging waste recycling and recovery targets to be attained by member states under the Directive do not apply until 2001 and 2005. In accordance with Article 12 of the directive, member states are required to provide specified annual data to the European Commission concerning packaging and packaging waste, commencing with data for 1997. Such reports are required to be made within 18 months of the end of the relevant year, that is by 30 June 1999. Member states are also required to report to the Commission on the application generally of this directive, in accordance with Council Directive 91/692/EEC standardising and rationalising reports on the implementation of certain directives relating to the environment. The first such reports will cover the period 1998-2000, and are required to be made within nine months of the end of that period, that is by 30 September 2001.
It is understood to be the Commission's intention to publish, later this year, a draft proposal for the amendment of Directive 94/62/EC. This proposal is expected to focus on the scope for increasing recycling and recovery targets for member states, but may also address other elements of the directive.