asked the Minister for the Environment if he will consider encouraging local authorities to establish pilot schemes for the recovery and recycling of chlorofluorocarbons.
Written Answers. - Recovery and Recycling of CFCs.
105.
I consider that the primary responsibility for the recovery and recycling of chlorofluorocarbons — CFCs — should rest with the companies using these substances or marketing products which contain the substances. I intend, therefore, to contact the companies concerned with a view to pressing them to make appropriate recovery arrangements as soon as possible. I intend also to ask local authorities to consider how best they can facilitate or assist the process of recovery and recycling of CFCs, particularly from old domestic refrigeration equipment which is being disposed of.
Ultimately, the only solution to the problems caused by the release of CFCs into the atmosphere is to eliminate their production and consumption entirely. Ireland is participating, in conjunction with our EC partners, in international action under the Montreal Protocol which provides for a 50 per cent reduction in production and consumption by 1998. The protocol is now, however, generally regarded as not going far enough and EC member states have agreed that total elimination of CFCs by the end of this century is required. I expect that this strategy will be adopted at the second meeting of the contracting parties to the protocol which is due to take place in London next year.