EU Directives

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 March 2019

Tuesday, 5 March 2019

Questions (423)

Eoin Ó Broin

Question:

423. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment further to Parliamentary Question No. 500 of 26 February 2019, (details supplied), his views on the perceived disproportionate consultation with a company by his Department in relation to the single use plastics directive; his further views on whether there is a potential conflict of interest in view of the fact the company, a producer led EPR system, would have vested interests in preventing the set up of deposit refund schemes as provided for in article 9 of the directive; and the reason the draft report from the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment, which was noted as strictly confidential, was shared and the CEO and executive manager for strategy and policy of the company invited to discuss it and propose amendments thereto. [10693/19]

Written answers

Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment

Repak were not the only experts consulted in relation to the proposed EU directive on single use plastics. In consideration of the above proposal, relevant experts were consulted as the need arose. For the purpose of developing negotiating positions and ensuring we had all the relevant knowledge, short, relevant extracts were forwarded to necessary experts. I believe this is common practice among all Member States and particularly in technical discussions of this type.

In relation to consultation with Repak, the Deputy should note that Repak operates under an approval from the Minister to act as a national compliance scheme for packaging. Producers of packaging have obligations under the EU Packaging Directive, as transposed in Ireland by the European Communities (Packaging) Regulations 2014. Repak is a not for profit organisation, which carries out these regulatory obligations on behalf of their members.

Under the terms of their approval, they are tasked with ensuring Ireland meets its EU targets under the Packaging Directive and to report to the Minister annually on progress. They are also obliged to keep updated on relevant regulatory developments at a national and EU level and to assist, advise and contribute to the development of Ireland’s position on such regulatory matters.

In relation to the Joint Oireachtas Committee Report, this was shared with Repak in the interest of ensuring that the information contained therein was accurate.