John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 59: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his Department, in assessing the potential impact of REACH on competitiveness here, is also taking into account the impact of current instances of industrial misuse of chemicals and the improper disposal of chemical waste; if his Department has data on this subject; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6221/05]

Michael Ahern (Cork East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

My Department supports the proposed EU chemicals legislation, known as REACH, which proposes the establishment of a comprehensive regulatory framework governing the manufacturing and use of chemicals in the EU, with a view to protecting human health and the environment and maintaining and enhancing the competitiveness of EU industry. We are working to ensure that the new regime will be clear and workable and that the right balance will be achieved in meeting the REACH objectives.

To assist in assessing the potential impact on competitiveness in Ireland, Forfás has commissioned consultants to undertake an impact assessment study, which is expected to be finalised shortly. I understand that the key benefit reported by Irish industry in that study is the expected improvement to the availability of chemicals safety and risk management data. That is seen as being of greater benefit by smaller industries and downstream users, who may not have the resources to generate such data.

It is important to appreciate that even after the new regulation comes into effect, existing legislation, including requirements under the integrated pollution prevention and control and waste-licensing systems, will continue in operation. The primary legislation in those areas is the responsibility of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, with operational matters falling to the Environmental Protection Agency, which comes under the aegis of that Department. I understand, however, that information published by the EPA has shown some very positive trends regarding the eco-efficiency of the industrial sector, significant recycling of some industry wastes and progress regarding the level of hazardous waste produced in Ireland over recent years.

It is unclear what issues the Deputy has in mind in his reference to current issues of industrial misuse of chemicals. If the Deputy has a more specific query in that regard, perhaps he might forward details to me, and I will endeavour to assist him.