Mary Flaherty
Ceist:12 Miss Flaherty asked the Minister for the Environment if he will make a statement on the progress in relation to the study commissioned by his Department regarding national strategy on recycling.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Recycling Strategy.
Desmond J. O'Malley
Ceist:36 Mr. O'Malley asked the Minister for the Environment the progress, if any, he has made in relation to the implementation of the EC Directive on packaging.
(Wexford): I propose to take Questions Nos. 12 and 36 together. The study entitled “Towards a Recycling Strategy for Ireland” was published earlier this week. Copies are available in the Oireachtas Library. I have invited industrial, local authority, consumer and environmental interests to submit their views on the issues raised in the study. This is the first step in the consultation process which I am undertaking to develop a national strategy on recycling as promised in the Programme for a Partnership Government.
Consideration by the EC Environment Council of the proposals for a Directive on packaging and packaging waste is still at a preliminary stage. Of course, a national recycling strategy will be developed having regard to the draft Directive.
I welcome the copy of the Minister's document which I received this week, as I am sure did every other Member, and his invitation for comments from different sectors of the public. My immediate reaction to it was that we are at present in default, in terms of ratification, of certain EC Directives on recycling. The Minister does not need my comment on that. Evidence of goodwill in terms of a national recycling programme can be measured only by the speed with which the Minister keeps apace with EC Directives. As I speak I am thinking particularly of the recycling of batteries Directive. I have not quite the correct title but I am sure the Minister knows the one to which I am referring. Perhaps, as a start, he could tell us why we are in default of the deadline on that and inform us when it will be ratified and incorporated in Irish law?
(Wexford): We hope to have the EC Directive on batteries approved as quickly as possible. We would hope to lay down a time limit with regard to recycling. For example, when I was launching the study “Towards a Recycling Strategy for Ireland” on Tuesday last at ENFO I stated that I wanted to have the views of industry, local authorities and so on made known to me by end of May next. I would also welcome the views of Opposition spokes-persons who should have received a copy of the document by now. Other Members of the House will receive copies within the next week.
I am aware from my discussions with Deputies that there is great interest in the development of a recycling strategy.
Cynicism has crept in because documents, White Papers, Green Papers and submissions are gathering dust in every Department and this has been the practice not just under this Government but under previous Governments. Would the Minister of State, on this very important topic, outline a timetable for the introduction of the relevant legislation? We would like to see some evidence of the Minister of State's commitment to a national recycling programme. There will be some costs involved — a figure of £75 million has been mentioned. Is there a commitment to fund a national recycling programme or are we talking about something that might happen in the year 2010 or in the short to medium-term? Does the Minister of State envisage either himself, the Minister or perhaps my party when in Government next year implementing this programme? I might even get a whack at implementing this programme if I am in the Department of the Environment.
The Deputy picked the right day to say that.
Would the Minister of State outline a timetable for us? For example, when will the EC Directive on batteries be ratified? That would be evidence of our commitment in this area because talk, submissions, Green Papers and White Papers are worth nothing when put alongside action and legislation. What timetable has the Minister of State in mind? Will any action be taken and will a commitment to provide finance be given?
(Wexford): To be fair to the Department of the Environment and the Minister, there has been nothing but action during the past year. I hope that action will continue to be taken. We hope to ratify the EC Directive on batteries as quickly as possible.
When?
(Wexford): On the question of recycling, I hope that there will be no undue delay.
That means nothing.
They used to call that a dry battery.
That disposes of questions for today.