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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 31 Mar 1992

Vol. 417 No. 9

Written Answers. - Non-Recycled Products Tax.

John Bruton

Ceist:

116 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance if he has considered the possibility of introducing a selective tax on non-recycled glass and paper so as to encourage recycling.

The scope for the introduction of new taxes on products has been severely curtailed by EC Single Market requirements. Given these requirements and other practical considerations, I have no plans for a selective tax on non-recycled glass and paper.

However, I am happy to advise the Deputy that under a scheme operated by the Department of the Environment, capital grants are available in certain circumstances for recycling projects. This scheme is aimed at small scale recycling projects involved in the segregation, collection and sorting of waste before sending onwards for further processing/recycling. Since its inception in 1987 a total of 43 separate grants amounting to just over £1.1 million have issued to 32 enterprises.
In addition, the Department of the Environment has commissioned Environmental Resources Limited to carry out a study on recycling potential in Ireland with a view to developing a strategy for its continued financing and development through the nineties. It is expected to be completed by the end of April.
The study will look at supports for recycling in Ireland, make recommendations for development of the existing recycling network and advise on the setting of targets for waste recycling in an Irish context.
The timing of the study is opportune given the new comprehensive national waste legislation which is currently being drafted in the Department. It also anticipates a forthcoming EC Directive which is likely to place severe restrictions on levels of packaging waste and impose minimum levels of waste recycling in all member states.
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