Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 18 Feb 2003

Vol. 561 No. 4

Written Answers. - Recycling Policy.

Emmet Stagg

Ceist:

160 Mr. Stagg asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason her Department uses no recycled paper for stationery purposes; her plans to ensure the introduction of recycled paper; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4453/03]

Tanaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Ms Harney):

In the past, recycled paper has been used on a pilot basis by my Department for stationery purposes. However, our experiences with these pilot projects revealed problems with printers and photocopiers and consequently its use was discontinued.

In November 2002, my Department published the Sustainable Development Strategy 2003-2005 which includes an undertaking to integrate sustainable development principles and practices into Departmental and agency policy and oper ations management. In this context and in the light of advances in the technology producing recycled paper suitable for printing and photocopying, my Department is prepared to look again, on an initial pilot basis, at the opportunities for its use as stationery.