Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 8 Nov 2000

Vol. 525 No. 3

Written Answers. - Recycled Products.

Ivan Yates

Ceist:

253 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if his Department or local authorities have a policy in relation to green procurement concerning the purchase of recycled products; if any quotas have been established in this regard; and if not, the plans he has to introduce any initiative in this area. [24892/00]

Minister for the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Dempsey)

Guidelines from my Department to other Departments and local authorities, with the objective of promoting environmental management and practice, recommend the purchasing and use of recycled products. The green Government liaison officers' network assists Departments in the implementation of these guidelines.

My Department purchases recycled products, in particular paper for internal use and for its publications, wherever practicable. It is at present reviewing its practice and targets in this area for the purposes of preparing an application for ISO 14000 certification for an environmental management system.

In addition separate guidelines, issued to local authorities in 1995 in the context of implementing local agenda 21 initiatives, encourage the purchase of recycled materials. The guidelines, including models of best practice, are being updated at present and revised guidelines will be issued when finalised.