Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 534: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will reply to a matter (details supplied) regarding the introduction of a refundable deposit on bottles and containers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22886/11]

Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 539: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will comment on a matter (details supplied) regarding littering; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22975/11]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 534 and 539 together.

Directive 94/62/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on packaging and packaging waste (the Packaging Directive) classifies items such as bottles, drink cans and containers as packaging. Deposit and refund schemes on such items can reduce litter and contribute to the recovery rates for packaging waste.

The Packaging Directive is based on the concept of producer responsibility, which effectively requires producers to contribute to the waste management costs of products which they have placed on the market. Under the Directive, the recovery rate of packaging waste required by Ireland in 2011 is 60%. Ireland had already achieved a rate of 70% in 2009. The material specific recycling targets for glass of 60% and for metals of 50% had also been achieved by Ireland in 2009 – the recycling rate for these materials being 76% and 50% respectively. Rather than being content with this level of performance, the Programme for Government contains a commitment to drive a waste reduction programme as part of a sustainable waste strategy. One of the possible elements of this waste reduction programme is a levy on packaging.

I recently consulted with industry, other stakeholders and the public on a possible levy on packaging. This consultation closed on Friday 5 August 2011 and the submissions and comments received are currently being examined. Any decision regarding deposit and refund schemes will be taken as part of the overall response to dealing with the issue of packaging.

More generally, I am determined to deal with the problem of litter and recently announced the following initiatives that will be taking place over the coming months:

· Firstly, I am preparing a new national anti-litter campaign which will raise awareness of the costs and the consequences of littering.

· Secondly, I will be bringing forward new legislation to ensure that the punishment fits the crime in all cases.

· Thirdly, I will be making available €750,000 to local authorities for enforcement activities, such as CCTV monitoring, to ensure that those who commit the crime suffer the consequences.

I will be considering a range of options, including those suggested in the questions, as part of the development of a new waste policy and responses to combat litter pollution.