Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

When we discussed the electronic disposal regulations in the House previously, I said the Seanad Members of the relevant committee could revert to us with a report when the motion came before us. I have spoken to one of the Members and discovered that the person who made the most complaints about the regulations did not attend the committee meeting, which is his own business. I cast no fault on him as Members often have many competing commitments, but refer to the matter by way of explanation. As he did not attend the meeting on which he was to make a report to the House, I do not intend to proceed as initially intended with a debate. While I do not intend to name them, two Seanad Members who sit on the committee in question did not attend the relevant meetings. They cannot provide evidence from the committee as they were not in attendance. Both Members are vociferous speakers and I would have liked them to be able to make a report to the House. They are not here, however.

Following its consideration of the regulations, the committee approved and signed them, which is in keeping with the purpose of joint committees. The regulations will be made under sections 7 and 62 of the Waste Management Act 1996 to amend that Act to provide enabling legislation to transpose into Irish law and implement two EU directives on waste electrical and electronic equipment. The directive must be transposed in advance of its commencement on 13 August 2005.