Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 16 Feb 2000

Vol. 514 No. 4

Written Answers. - Waste Management.

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

156 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the plans, if any, he has to introduce legislation to reduce the use of excessive packaging on goods; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4433/00]

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment and Local Government (Mr. D. Wallace)

Section 28(2) of the Waste Management Act, 1996, places an obligation on a person who carries on any agricultural, commercial or industrial activity to take all such reasonable steps as are necessary to prevent or minimise the production of waste arising from that activity or from any product manufactured as a result of that activity, including, where appropriate, steps regarding the design of products.

The waste management (packaging) regulations, 1997, as amended, provide that a person may not supply packaging or packaged products to the Irish market unless the packaging concerned complies with specified essential requirements as to its nature and composition.

I have no plans to introduce further legislation in this area, but will be supportive of any appropriate policy initiatives at EU level which may be brought forward in the context of amendment of Directive 94/62/EC on packaging and packaging waste.

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

157 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the plans, if any, he has to encourage the use of glass in place of paper, plastic or aluminium; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4434/00]

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment and Local Government (Mr. D. Wallace)

The question of which packaging materials, products or packaging systems are environmentally preferable is complex, and a definitive assessment of the best practicable environmental option in any specific circumstance would require appropriate life cycle analysis.

Article 18 of EU Directive 94/62/EC on packaging and packaging waste prohibits member states from impeding the placing on the market of packaging that satisfies the provisions of the directive, i.e. which is in accordance with the essential requirements specified in Annex II of the directive as to the composition and the reusable and recoverable nature of packaging, These requirements were transposed into Irish legislation by means of the Waste Management (Packaging) (Amendment) Regulations, 1998.

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

158 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the measures, if any, he is taking to have re-cycling facilities near every home; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4435/00]

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment and Local Government (Mr. D. Wallace)

At the end of 1998 there were a total of 837 "bring" facilities for recyclable materials throughout the country, almost double the number in 1995, as well as almost 40 civic amenity sites.

Local authorities nationally will shortly conclude a comprehensive waste management planning process. In accordance with the policy guidance and waste recovery targets outlined in the policy statement Changing our Ways, emerging regional and local waste management plans provide for the development of integrated waste management services and infrastructure, which will deliver a much improved waste recovery performance. These waste management plans incor porate proposals for household segregation and "kerbside" collection of organic waste and dry recyclables in urban areas; an extended network of "bring" facilities in rural areas, typically with a target density of one facility per 500 population; an increased network of civic amenity sites and waste transfer stations; and a range of waste treatment and disposal facilities.