Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 14 May 2003

Vol. 566 No. 4

Written Answers. - Legislative Programme.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

158 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government when the promised legislation to allow local authorities to take over unsatisfactory private water schemes will be introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12962/03]

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

I refer to the reply to Question No. 99 of 1 April 2003. It is anticipated that the water services Bill will be published in the current Dáil session.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

159 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government when he plans to bring forward legislative proposals to support implementation of the ELV recovery scheme, as required by EU directive; if it is intended to impose a levy on the price of cars to pay for the scheme; if manufacturers will be permitted to pass this levy on to purchasers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12969/03]

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

My Department has been actively engaged with the Society for the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI), the Irish Motor Vehicle Recyclers Association (IMVRA), the Metal Recyclers Association of Ireland (MRAI) and other parties concerned with a view to developing a producer responsibility initiative to implement the main provisions of European Parliament and Council Directive 2000/53/EC on end-of-life vehicles (ELVs). Under the directive, member states must ensure that the last holder or owner can deliver his or her end-of-life vehicle to an authorised treatment facility free of charge and that the relevant economic operators meet all, or a significant part of, the costs of implementing these measures. The directive also requires member states to introduce a system whereby certificates of destruction are notified to the competent vehicle registration authorities on foot of the deposit of vehicles for scrapping.

Agreement in principle has been reached by the economic sectors to establish a not for profit company to operate an ELV recovery scheme which will be subsidised by a fund generated by environmental levies on imported new and used vehicles. The Government has approved proposals for an ELV recovery scheme and my Department is continuing to discuss the detailed mechanisms for the operation and funding of the scheme in the context of the preparation of the enabling primary legislation, which is required for implementing the directive. The timing of the imposition of the levies and the commencement of free take back of ELVs will be determined in light of progress in finalising legislation and the necessary regulations.

It is intended that the necessary legislative provisions to implement the directive will be incorporated, on Committee Stage of the Protection of the Environment Bill 2003, which has recently been passed by the Seanad.

Question No. 160 answered with Question No. 149.