Vol. 518 No. 3
207 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he has considered the introduction of a monetary deposit where cans or bottles are brought back to a place of purchase as a specific incentive to help reduce the problems with litter; the action, if any, he is taking to reduce packaging; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11412/00]
A primary focus of action to date in relation to the management of packaging and packaging waste has been the establishment and operation of Repak Ltd.
Progress has been made by Repak Ltd. since it became operational, and a new basis now used for the determination of Repak membership fees, which has regard to the volume and recoverable nature of packaging placed by members on the Irish market, should support the minimisation of packaging, and, therefore, packaging waste arising. However, it is intended to appoint consultants to carry out an early review of the Repak operations and make recommendations, inter alia, regarding further measures that should be undertaken by Repak Ltd. to support the recovery of packaging waste from the municipal waste stream, increase the recovery rate for packaging waste generally, to ensure compliance with EU targets for 2001 and 2005, and support the development of indigenous reprocessing capacity for packaging waste.
In a wider context, it is intended to expand upon the policy issues and guidance outlined in the waste management policy statement, "Changing our Ways", with the publication this year of a further policy statement focusing on waste minimisation, recycling and recovery generally. This will outline the scope of measures to be undertaken in the interests of a sustained improvement in our waste recovery and recycling performance.
Deposit and refund schemes in respect of refillable and reusable beverage containers, operating in a small number of EU member states, are currently being examined. With regard to packaging waste generally, the question of which packaging materials, products or packaging systems are environmentally preferable is complex, and a definitive assessment of the best practicable environmental option in any specific circumstance requires appropriate life cycle analysis.
I will be supportive of any appropriate policy initiatives at EU level which may be brought forward in the context of the current review of Directive 94/62/EC, with a view to improving current performance in relation to the minimisation and reuse of packaging and packaging waste.
A range of measures are in place to reduce litter pollution, and the national anti-litter forum which is due to report monthly is developing further initiatives with the objective of solving the litter problem. The forum recommendations will be given detailed consideration in my Department.
