Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 February 2019
499. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the reason for the delayed implementation deadline for extended producer responsibility measures, which following interinstitutional negotiations would not need to come into effect until 31 December 2024 (details supplied); and the steps he will take to support more ambitious targets for this directive. [9672/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn its original proposal the Commission envisaged Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) being in place for the following wastes by 2023:
1. Food Containers
2. Cups for Beverages
3. Beverage Containers
4. Beverage Bottles
5. Tobacco products with plastic filters
6. Balloons
7. Wet wipes
8. Plastic carrier bags and
9. Fishing Gear
In relation to items 1-4 above, Ireland already has EPR in place. The deadline for tobacco products remains at 2023, which Ireland supported. A deadline does not mean measures will be delayed. Every effort will be made to ensure that mandatory EPR measures are delivered at the earliest possible date.
In relation Article 9, I would point out to the Deputy that the final text is more ambitious than the original proposal, which foresaw a separate collection rate for plastic bottles of 90% by 2030. The deadline for achieving this collection target has been brought forward to 2029 with an interim target to be achieved of 77% by 2025.
