Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 10 Jun 2003

Vol. 568 No. 1

Written Answers. - Environmental Policy.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

697 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government if he has considered taking action to curb the volume of junk mail which is posted to private households; the impact which this mail is having on domestic waste volumes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15161/03]

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

On foot of the success of the plastic bag levy, which has dramatically reduced the number of disposable plastic bags provided to consumers with a consequent positive impact on visible nuisance litter, the Agreed Programme for Government states that consideration will be given to the extension of the levy on plastic bags to other areas such as non-reusable packaging. I am, therefore, currently considering proposals to examine the possibility of introducing further environmental levies, similar to the plastic bag levy, to other problematic waste streams as one of a range of measures required to address the growing volume of waste being generated in Ireland year-on-year. However, decisions on the extension of the environmental levy on plastic bags to other areas such as junk mail will not only have to consider issues in relation to persistent or problematic litter, but also their impact on the promotion of reuse and recycling and the prevention and minimisation of waste.

While I am actively considering the issues involved, final decisions have not yet been taken on the items which should be targeted as a priority in this regard. The introduction of a levy at source on junk mail would require considerable analysis and evaluation and would need, inter alia, to take account of a life cycle analysis of the materials in question and any consequential effects they may have on the environment itself. I will, however, keep the issue of junk mail, together with other areas such as non-reusable packaging, under review and will consider whether further arrangements are required to influence a positive change by companies when engaged in the publication of brochures for mass-mailing campaigns to the general public.