EU Legislation

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 October 2020

Thursday, 1 October 2020

Questions (77)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

77. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications if consideration is being given to the need to ensure compliance with EU legislation in the context of a review of recyclability provisions as opposed to further extension beyond that which might create a serious disadvantage for small to medium-sized businesses here in the packaging industry, which could cause serious loss of employment; if he will ensure that the EU standards remain; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28068/20]

Written answers

Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications

My Department launched the Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy on 4 September 2020. The new plan contains a specific chapter on plastics and packaging waste, which outlines a number of measures to achieve optimum results in this area.

The action plan confirms that we will work with packaging suppliers to ensure they play their part in reducing primary, secondary and tertiary packaging waste arising and ensuring that all packaging on the market is reusable or recyclable in an economically viable way by 2030. In addition, I can confirm that Ireland will support the environmentally ambitious approach in discussions with the European Commission as the review of the essential requirements for packaging is progressed.