Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 261: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps he has taken to ensure that every CFL purchaser understands the way and the locations to dispose of them. [10772/08]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 262: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps he has taken to warn the public of the action to take if a CFL is broken; his views on the British Department of the Environment direction that everyone must leave the room for at least 15 minutes if one falls and breaks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10773/08]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 263: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has asked the Environmental Protection Agency to draw up guidelines for people in the likely event of breakage of CFLs; when he asked same; and when the public will receive them in view of the fact that CFLs are common. [10774/08]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 261 to 263, inclusive, together.

The disposal of CFLs is currently governed by the WEEE Directive. Retailers are required by law to take back waste CFLs and fluorescent lamps free of charge on a one-for-one, like-for-like basis from householders. Where replacement fluorescent tubes and CFLs are bought over the counter, retailers must take back the old product in-store, either at the time of sale or within a maximum of 15 days of the date of sale. Each local authority must also accept household waste CFLs and fluorescent tubes free of charge at its civic amenity facilities. Retailers can have their premises designated as 'WEEE collection points' or deposit household WEEE free of charge at local authority civic amenity facilities. There are currently in excess of 600 'WEEE collection points' including both retail outlets and civic amenity facilities. Retailers are obliged to notify purchasers of these take back arrangements. Information on the WEEE take back system is available on my Department's web site — www.environ.ie.

My Department is working with the EPA and industry stakeholders in developing guidance on best practice for the proper handling and safe disposal of CFLs either at end-of-life or where breakages occur. This process will be finalised shortly and a leaflet will be published and made available to members of the public. Any guidance that is issued will take cognisance of best practice and measures suggested by other appropriate agencies or authorities. The risk to human health arising from accidental CFL breakage is minimal as CFLs containing more than 5mg of mercury are prohibited from being placed on the market in the European Community in accordance with the provisions of the Waste Management (Restrictions of Certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment) Regulations 2005, which transpose Directive 2002/95/EC.