Vol. 510 No. 6
62 Ms Clune asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he has satisfied himself with the level of implementation of the packaging regulations of 1997; the measures, if any, he has taken to monitor their implementation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23424/99]
I refer to the reply to Question No. 107 of 5 October 1999. While it is a matter for each local authority, using the extensive powers available under the Waste Management Act, 1996, and the Waste Management (Packaging) Regulations, 1997, to ensure that organisations comply with their legal obligations, I am concerned that there should be effective implementation of the regulations so that responsibility for recycling packaging waste is borne equitably by packaging producers. The regulations require all businesses to take steps regarding in-house packaging waste, while extra obligations are imposed on businesses defined as major producers under the regulations. Major producers may meet their producer responsibility obligations, either as members of Repak or on an individual basis and they should not be placed at a commercial disadvantage by free riders who seek to evade these obligations. Accordingly, my Department has, where possible, endeavoured to facilitate the effective enforcement and implementation of the regulations by local authorities.
As previously stated, I am aware that local authorities are generally now devoting more resources to the enforcement of the 1997 regulations than was the case heretofore and, while further improvement is necessary in this regard, I am satisfied that progress is being achieved.
