Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

The Joint Committee on Environment and Local Government considered this motion last Tuesday. A division took place and the motion was passed that the regulations be referred back to the Dáil and Seanad with no further debate. The regulations provide the enabling framework for the transposition and implementation of two landmark EU directives on waste electrical and electronic equipment and on the restriction of hazardous substances in electrical equipment. The directive will come into operation on 13 August next so there is a tight timeline for finalising detailed regulations that need to be prepared.

The directive is a producer responsibility initiative. It is not correct to say the Minister's intention is to pass on responsibility to the consumer. Producers will be responsible for the processing, recycling and disposal of equipment once it has been collected. Retailers will be required to offer one-for-one take-back of equipment similar to that which they are selling. Discussions are taking place between representative groups of producers and retailers on some aspects of the operation of the system. The Minister's concern is to implement the directives in a way that reflects the greatest possible consensus among various stakeholders on what will work most effectively and equitably. This matter has to be dealt with so the detailed regulations can be brought forward to implement the directive.

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