Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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Question 135: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will report on his meeting on 19 December 2008 with representatives of the waste management industry in relation to the collapse in the global market for recyclable waste and his proposals to use some of the waste for fuel; if this was implemented; the outcome of the request by industry representatives for part funding for the diversion of some of this waste to waste to energy markets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2827/09]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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I met with representatives from the Irish Waste Management Association (IWMA) on 19 December 2008 to discuss a number of issues the industry were having with regard to recyclates. An update was provided to the IWMA in relation to the following matters. The Association was informed that I raised the issue at the Environment Council in Brussels on 4 December. A total of 12 Member States intervened to support Ireland in raising the issue. The European Commission has undertaken to carry out a review of the situation and to revert with options for action. The incoming Czech Presidency has also undertaken to table the issue as a substantive item at the next Council following completion of the Commission's review.

I informed the IWMA that Ireland had also raised the issue at the December meeting of the Article 21 Committee on Packaging Waste. The Commission responded and noted that it was supported by many at the Council who raised issues such as the structuring of markets, how they can be influenced and what measures can be proposed. I also outlined my initial decisions following the report of the Action Group on Recyclate Markets which included the proposal to establish a number of sub-groups to drive action on the following issues:

Markets — including quality and development of best practice;

Licensing and Enforcement;

Public Infrastructure.

I advised them that a circular (WPRR 10/08) issued to all local authorities emphasising the importance of enforcement on 4 December 2008 arising from the report. I have not made any proposals to use material collected for recycling as fuel. The issue of part funding the diversion of carbon low grade recyclates to the waste-to-energy markets mentioned in the question was raised by the IWMA at the meeting. However, it was clarified that such funding will not be provided.