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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 6 Nov 2001

Vol. 543 No. 2

Written Answers. - Waste Management.

David Stanton

Question:

90 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he has proposals to deal with the extensive over use of packaging materials; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26715/01]

John Bruton

Question:

92 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he will establish a statutory body, with significant powers, to take responsibility for measures to promote waste prevention and waste minimisation; and, if not, his plans for the exercise of State powers in this area. [24844/01]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 90 and 92 together.

Waste prevention and minimisation are the preferred management options in the internationally accepted waste hierarchy. A range of initiatives, including organisational adjustments, designed substantially to increase action and develop policy in these regards, will be included in the forthcoming policy statement on preventing and recycling waste.

In addition, in respect of over use of packaging, my Department has placed particular emphasis on the avoidance of over-packaged products, as the first of ten easy steps to a better environment widely publicised as part of the national environment awareness campaign. The planned levy on plastic shopping bags, to take effect from 4 February 2002, is also relevant in this regard.

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