James Breen (Clare, Independent)
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Question 421: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the action he will take to safeguard the livelihoods of small retailers whose businesses will be seriously affected by the draft EU directive on recycling of electronic waste; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17222/05]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The EU directive on waste electrical and electronic equipment, WEEE, which came into effect on 13 February 2003, presents a challenge to all relevant stakeholder groups, both large and small. Effective implementation will require a focused and committed approach from all concerned.

Draft regulations which will transpose the directive into Irish law have just completed a period of public consultation. These regulations were prepared by my Department working closely with the relevant public sector and industry stakeholders through a dedicated WEEE taskforce. Retailer interests are represented on this task force, which was established in February 2003. In order to minimise the regulatory burden of the WEEE directive, the draft regulations propose that retailers be allowed to avail of an exemption from the normal waste permitting requirements for the storage and transport of WEEE in certain circumstances. Under the modified regime, which will be considerably less burdensome than the normal collection and waste permitting requirements, retailers will be required to register their premises with their local authority.

In recognition that some retailers, particularly those operating in the centre of a town, may have difficulties in catering for WEEE the draft regulations also propose that retailers may, subject to the agreement of the appropriate local authorities, make alternative arrangements to in-store take back provided that such arrangements are not more inconvenient for the purchaser and remain free of charge. With regard to the take back of WEEE by retailers, the draft regulations do not go beyond the scope of the directive, which is the taking back on a one for one basis of WEEE of similar type or fulfilling the same function of the new item being purchased. This is also in line with the recommendation made by the taskforce.

My Department has made every effort to include all stakeholders, including retailers, in the process of developing the draft regulations. The draft regulations are balanced and take account of the circumstances of those affected by the directive. I have as part of the consultation process which has now ended met with the retailers' representatives to discuss the draft regulations. All comments and submissions received will be considered by my Department in finalising the regulations, which I intend to make in advance of the coming into effect of the directive on 13 August 2005.