Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 25 May 1995

Vol. 453 No. 5

Written Answers. - Recycling Strategy.

Trevor Sargent

Ceist:

79 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for the Environment with regard to page 18 of the recycling strategy, the reason the Irish Business Employers Confederation under the title Statutory Support for Producer Responsibility, was asked to come up with suggestions rather than given a clear set of requirements. [9619/95]

Minister for the Environment (Mr. Howlin)

The section of the document, Recycling for Ireland, referred to in the question deals with the principle of producer responsibility for wastes. It promised full statutory support for this principle which is reflected in the Waste Bill, 1995.

The recycling strategy also envisages the possibility of alternatives to statutory arrangements being developed by Irish packaging interests on the lines of industry-led schemes which operate successfully elsewhere in the European Union. The strategy does not speak of industry making suggestions but of its formulation of proposals which will be fully assessed by Government as to their acceptability. Proposals of this kind are at present being finalised by the Industry Task Force on Recycling, whose report I am awaiting. The recycling strategy made it clear that, if the alternative arrangements proposed are not found to be satisfactory, the provisions of the Waste Bill will be used to ensure attainment of recycling targets.