Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 205: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his proposals to educate people in relation to recycling and the use of compost bins and any other such items that can be used to divert waste from landfill. [8536/08]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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The Race Against Waste Campaign, which commenced in 2003, has been the most extensive waste information campaign ever run in Ireland. The campaign combined a multimedia national awareness campaign and a supporting communications strategy which aimed to stimulate the prevention, reduction, reuse and recycling of waste. It featured initiatives and practical measures that could be taken by individuals and businesses in helping to solve waste management problems, including extensive information on recycling and composting.

The campaign directly engaged specific audiences who are generating waste — communities, businesses, large organisations and homes — with the objective of improving environmental behaviour. It provided advice and information directly to the public through a lo-call telephone line and e-mail; ran a programme of action for businesses, including nationwide seminars; and informed the public through on-going public relations and advertising campaigns.

The main campaign concluded in October 2006 but certain elements have continued and a number of initiatives under the Race Against Waste campaign have been undertaken since then. Information on composting and recycling is also provided through the Department's Environmental Information Service, ENFO. In addition, my Department provides significant funding to the Green Schools Initiative, which is administered by An Taisce. The programme encourages environmentally sound waste management practices and includes specific actions on waste minimisation, recycling and composting. Over 2,800 schools are participating in the programme which represents 65% of all schools in the State.

Aspects of waste management will also be addressed as part of the Government's new major communications and public awareness campaign focusing on climate change. My Department constantly assesses the need for additional awareness and education initiatives in relation to waste issues.