Vol. 528 No. 1
15 Ms O'Sullivan 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. [29445/00]
36 Mr. Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government his proposals to ensure a nation-wide programme for the collection of scrap cars abandoned around the country and to provide where possible for effective collection, disassembly and recycling of such vehicles; and if he will consider bringing forward the terms of the ELV Directive into Irish law at the earliest possible date. [29215/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 15 and 36 together.
My Department is engaged with the Society of the Irish Motor Industry and other concerned parties with a view to the development of a producer responsibility initiative in relation to end of life vehicles. It is intended that such an initiative would, in particular, take account of Directive 2000/53/EC of the European Parliament and the Council 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 requirements, including measures aimed at: ensuring that relevant economic operators establish collection systems for all ELVs; ensuring that all collected ELVs 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.
My Department, following consultation with interested parties and formal adoption of the directive in October 2000, recently responded to an initial SIMI proposal for an ELV management system for Ireland, and will seek early discussions 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 and to give effect to Directive 2000/53/EC as soon as possible.
