Vol. 525 No. 3
102 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the progress made in regard to his discussions with the motor industry for measures for the safe and effective disposal of end of life vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24758/00]
My Department initiated discussions with the Society of the Irish Motor Industry, SIMI, with a view to the development of a producer responsibility initiative in relation to end-of-life vehicles, ELVs. It is intended that such an initiative would, in particular, take account of an EU Parliament and Council Directive on End-of-Life Vehicles. This directive entered into force on 21 October 2000, and member states must implement its requirements by April 2002.
The directive incorporates a number of significant proposals, including measures aimed at ensuring that relevant economic operators establish collection systems for all ELVs; ensuring that all ELVs collected are dismantled and recovered in a manner which does not cause environmental pollution; preventing waste from vehicles; increasing the recovery and recycling rates of ELVs and their components; and minimising the use of hazardous materials/substances in vehicles.
Initial proposals for an ELV management system for Ireland have been submitted by SIMI, and were circulated for consultation to relevant Departments and State agencies, and a number of representative associations and other bodies. On foot of the various submissions received, my Department will respond formally to the SIMI proposal this week. Further discussions will be sought with the society and other concerned parties, to progress the development of a practicable industry-led scheme. It is my objective to secure agreement on an acceptable vehicle recovery scheme as soon as possible.
