Waste Management Regulations

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 July 2017

Thursday, 13 July 2017

Questions (1030)

Catherine Martin

Question:

1030. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if, in view of the current negotiations in Brussels on the EU waste directives, the Government supports the following measures: a 65% target for recycling of municipal solid waste by 2030 binding minimum requirements on extended producer responsibility including full cost coverage and modulated fees, separate targets for preparation for reuse of municipal solid waste, waste prevention targets, and a packaging reuse target of 10% by 2030; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34821/17]

Written answers

Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment

Ireland welcomed the publication by the European Commission of the Action Plan for the Circular Economy, which included a range of actions and legislative proposals. The Action Plan proposes that we can reorganise our economies to the benefit of all citizens, and at the same time improve our protection of the environment. Negotiations are on-going between the Council and the European Parliament. These negotiations are complex and cover a wide range of issues and it is always challenging to find a balance between ambition, practicality and affordability for all Members States in the Council, the European Parliament and the European Commission. Ireland is broadly supportive of the Action Plan.