Ossian Smyth (Dún Laoghaire, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senators for their contributions.

I agree with the objective of amendment No. 64 and, in general terms, the way in which it attempts to address the problem of new consumer goods being disposed of by either merchants or Internet vendors. Reference was made to the French law, which is given careful consideration. It is important when writing legislation to look at other jurisdictions to see what has worked and what works within the framework of European law. The French law is scheduled to come into effect in 2023. I expect that the European legislation on which we are working will be in effect before then, leaving the French law moot.

Coming back to this amendment, one of the central components of a circular economy is enhanced reparability and ease of maintenance of consumer goods. In order to achieve a successful transition to a circular economy, we must recognise that and commit to the development of a circular economy for consumer goods with an enhanced focus on the repair sector. That is a clear objective of the waste action plan for a circular economy and the circular economy strategy. I think the meaningful and significant changes required as regards issues such as product design, warrantees and consumer information and labelling can be most effectively implemented by way of comprehensive EU legislation rather than through piecemeal national measures. This is even more important for member states like Ireland which represent relatively small markets relative to those of the rest of the EU. We must always remember that our laws have national application and will not apply to a warehouse in Luxembourg, Scotland or wherever else this kind of dumping may be happening.

As we discussed last week, the process of introducing that EU legislation has already commenced. The European Commission has already announced a proposal for a regulation on eco-design for sustainable products as well as a proposal for a directive to empower consumers for the green transition through better protection against unfair practices and better information. The proposed eco-design regulation will address product design and set new requirements to make products more durable, reliable, reusable, upgradable, reparable, easier to maintain, refurbish and recycle, and energy- and resource-efficient. The regulation provides a framework to improve the environmental sustainability of products and refers specifically, in Article 1 and Article 20, to the creation of an EU framework to prevent unsold consumer products from being destroyed, so that very concept is being talked about throughout Europe. The proposed directive on consumer information will support improved participation of consumers in the circular economy through the provision of information on the durability and reparability of products and by enhancing consumer protection against unfair commercial practices that prevent sustainable purchases. It will therefore tackle issues such as greenwashing, that is, misleading environmental claims, and should tackle early obsolescence practices, that is, premature failure of goods, and the use of unreliable and non-transparent sustainability labels and information tools. The approach in these proposals reflects the approach we have already taken in the circular economy strategy, and Ireland will adopt an ambitious and supportive stance in the forthcoming EU negotiations with a view to making sure the final legislation maximises support for the transition to a circular economy. I understand that the first meeting in respect of these new proposals has taken place already and that a further meeting will be scheduled for later this week. I believe that seeking to achieve these objectives by means of EU legislation, rather than in national legislation, will ensure better and more consistent protection for consumers and will most effectively meet the ultimate aims of this amendment. I will therefore not accept the amendment.

Moving to amendments Nos. 53 to 59, inclusive, I said earlier that I believe that meaningful changes to requirements in respect of issues of obsolescence and repair can be most effectively implemented by way of comprehensive EU legislation rather than through piecemeal national measures. I will not accept these amendments.

As for amendment No. 57 specifically, I have not changed my position on this issue and will not accept the amendment as I consider it unnecessary. Transnational shipments of waste, including to non-EU countries, are already highly regulated under EU legislation and the Bill provides that material wastage associated with a product or class of products must be considered when making regulations. I am satisfied that the combination of those measures adequately addresses the issues referred to in the amendment.