I propose to take Questions Nos. 1022 and 1082 together.
I am committed to developing a sustainable and environmentally focused system for the management of waste tyres in Ireland. Like existing systems for waste tyres elsewhere in the EU and for all other waste streams in Ireland, this system must respect the producer responsibility approach and be based on the polluter pays principle. These are long-standing environmental principles which are reflected in both European and domestic legislation.
While I am confident the system I am working to develop will enjoy the full support of all members of the European Tyre and Rubber Manufacturers Association, who make up approximately 50% of the Irish tyre market, unfortunately certain elements within the tyres industry do not accept these basic environmental principles. I am not prepared to negotiate on these principles, upon which our environmental protection is built, but I welcome industry involvement and participation in the detailed design and implementation of a regulatory system that has these principles as a starting point.
As I have previously stated, I urge both the Irish Tyre Industry Association (ITIA) and the Irish Tyre Wholesalers & Retailers Association (ITWRA) to re-join the process and re-engage with my Department in finalising the details for the new regulatory regime.