Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 505: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will engage in consultation with newsagents and newspaper owners to assist them in the implementation of new EU regulations regarding the disposal of unsold papers from January 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27412/07]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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I am not aware of any proposals for EU regulations regarding the disposal of unsold newspapers as suggested in the question.

The EU Landfill Directive sets challenging targets for the diversion of biodegradable waste, including paper, from landfill. The Directive requires that no later than 16 July 2016, biodegradable municipal waste going to landfill must be reduced to 35% of the total amount (by weight) of biodegradable municipal waste produced in 1995. The National Strategy on Biodegradable Waste sets recycling targets for paper and cardboard of 55% by 2010, 65% by 2013 and 67% by 2016. This compares with a recycling rate of just under 50% achieved in 2005.

The attainment of these targets presents a formidable challenge for the sectors involved, including the newsprint industry. Discussions are ongoing between my Department and the newsprint industry with a view to developing a producer responsibility initiative (PRI) for the recovery and recycling of newspapers and magazines. A Joint Industry Taskforce co-ordinated by National Newspapers of Ireland (NNI) is leading the negotiations with my Department.

Discussions have focused on waste prevention and minimisation issues in the newsprint industry, specifically the practice of "Boxing Out" i.e. oversupply of newsprint; recovery and recycling of unsold newspapers and magazines, and post–consumer newsprint waste.

Since the establishment of the Taskforce progress has been made by the industry in increasing the use of recycled paper in newsprint. My Department has asked the Taskforce to develop an industry code of practice with a view to preventing and minimising waste in this sector. At the suggestion of the Department, the National Newspapers of Ireland (NNI) representing the newsprint publishers have now appointed an Environment Officer who is examining the issues referred to above. NNI have been engaged recently in a further round of consultations with the other Taskforce organisations. I understand that NNI hope to complete work on developing a proposal and that this will be submitted to my Department shortly. I am concerned that a stable and sustainable industry initiative for the management of this important waste stream be developed as early as possible.