Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 20 Nov 1996

Vol. 471 No. 7

Written Answers. - Waste Paper Recycling.

Joe Costello

Ceist:

201 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for the Environment the steps, if any, he is taking to resume the practice of the collection of waste paper for recycling, which was discontinued in 1996; if his attention has been drawn to a press release issued by his Department at the launch of A Green Government Guide and published in The Irish Times of 27 August 1996, which stated that all paper for internal use should be paper no longer needed for its original use or, failing that, should be 100 per cent recycled; and if he will make a statement on the matter in view of the fact that recycling of paper is not currently being carried out in Ireland. [21533/96]

Minister for the Environment (Mr. Howlin)

Difficulties in relation to the recycling of paper are being experienced at present in Ireland and internationally arising from a significant reduction in the demand and price for waste paper. Certain materials such as cardboard, office paper and other higher-grade papers continue to be collected but many recyclers have suspended the collection of lower-grade waste papers, such as newspapers. Some collection agencies are, however, maintaining collection banks in place of reserving collection sites pending recovery of markets.

The successful development of waste recycling will depend to a significant extent on the development of more extensive and stable markets for recyclable materials. At my initiative, this issue was discussed at the Informal Council of EU Environment Ministers in July, where there was agreement as to the need for consideration to be given to measures which will encourage more stable and adequate markets for recyclables. The need to develop concrete actions to support markets for recycled products is now being considered as part of a review of European Union waste management strategy.

Increased demand for recycled paper will be supported in Ireland by the Green Government guidelines to which the questions refers. Each Department has been asked to assign a nominated officer to co-ordinate the preparation of a green housekeeping programme within the organisation. The nominated officers also participate in the interdepartmental network established to support and promote the development of green housekeeping across the Civil Service. This interdepartmental network has already begun its work and is addressing,inter alia, the implementation of the recommendation in the Green Guide for use of recycled paper by all Departments.

Financial assistance is being provided by my Department, with the support of the European Union, to support capital expenditure on the provision of infrastructure for waste recycling. Grants have recently been approved for a number of private sector projects, including operations dealing with paper recycling.