Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 29 Jun 2000

Vol. 522 No. 4

Written Answers. - End-of-Life Vehicles.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

15 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the progress made in regard to his discussions with the motor industry for measures for the safe and effective disposal of end of life vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18664/00]

Minister for the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Dempsey)

My Department initiated discussions with the Society of the Irish Motor Industry in late 1997 with a view to the development by the industry of a producer responsibility initiative in relation to end-of-life vehicles, ELVs. It is intended that such an initiative would, in particular, take account of a draft EU Parliament and Council directive on end-of-life vehicles. This draft directive incorporates a number of significant proposals, including measures aimed at ensuring that relevant economic operators establish collection systems for all ELVs; ensuring all ELVs collected are dismantled and recovered in a manner which does not cause environmental pollution; preventing waste from vehicles; increasing the recovery and recycling rates of ELVs and their components and minimising the use of hazardous materials-substances in vehicles.

Initial proposals for an ELV management system for Ireland were submitted by SIMI in December 1999, and were circulated for consultation to various Departments and State agencies, and a number of representative associations and other bodies. On foot of the various submissions received, my Department will very shortly respond formally to the SIMI proposals. Early discussions will be sought with the society and other concerned parties to progress the development of a cohesive and practicable industry-led scheme.