Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 21: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the members of the market development group which was established to identify market opportunities for recycled products; the number of meetings of the group which have been held; when it is intended to publish the group's market development programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36491/06]

Dan Neville (Limerick West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 78: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the action he will take to boost the market for recyclables; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36635/06]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 21 and 78 together.

One of the main barriers to an improved and sustainable recycling performance is the lack of stable and economically attractive markets and outlets for recyclable materials and products manufactured from recycled products. The need for the establishment of a Market Development Group, which would oversee the development of a Market Development Programme, was outlined in the Delivering Change policy statement and the Agreed Programme for Government.

The Market Development Group, established in July 2004, has met on six occasions. The work of the Group is currently focusing on three priority waste streams: paper, plastic and compost. Among the key issues to be addressed are promoting stable demand for recovered materials, supporting the achievement of economies of scale in the production of products made from recycled materials and the need for more recycling infrastructure in Ireland to reduce reliance on overseas markets.

The National Market Development Programme, which the Group is developing, will identify new applications and markets for recyclable material and secondary recycled products. The Group has been asked to identify barriers to the use and marketing of recyclable material and to develop strategies to address these. The Market Development Programme is being finalised at present for publication early in 2007.

The membership of the Group is shown in the table.