Paudie Coffey (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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437. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if he intends to update recycling regulations in order that the recycling of rubber, including car tyres would fall under a similar scheme that came about as a result of the WEEE directive 2002/96/EC; the way he will intend to go about introducing such a scheme; if he will outline any possible time-frame for such a scheme being introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22470/13]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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In June 2012, I initiated a wide ranging review of the existing Producer Responsibility Initiatives in Ireland. The overall purpose of this review is to assess the nature and level of the challenges which are currently facing the existing Producer Responsibility Agreements as well as the forthcoming challenges that are expected to arise in the management of various waste streams. I anticipate that the findings and recommendations from the review will form the basis for the development of robust producer responsibility initiatives that will enable Ireland to operate successfully in meeting our domestic and EU environmental obligations in the medium to long term.

In relation to tyres, the consultants undertaking the review were asked to carry out a fundamental examination of all aspects of the current system and make recommendations which are designed urgently to improve its operation and ensure that waste tyres are managed according to best environmental practice. Recommendations on how to manage the movement of tyres and waste tyres across the border to/from Northern Ireland in order to ensure that waste is properly managed and that data are accurately recorded were also requested. Any recommendations for future changes in this area, including consideration of the establishment of a system of arrangements in accordance with international best practice, will need to be supported by details setting out the necessary regulatory regime, operational requirements, self-compliance issues, information and awareness requirements and other relevant issues. The recommendations should also take account of the recently published North/South study on Waste Tyres.

I expect to receive the report from the consultants shortly and once I have considered its recommendations, my Department will make it available for consultation. The recommendations from the various report chapters will be considered and implemented in order of priority, with due regard to the implementation of Ireland's broader waste policy - A Resource Opportunity - Waste Management Policy in Ireland - and the increasingly challenging EU requirements in a number of areas such as end-of-life vehicles, packaging, waste electrical and electronic equipment and battery reuse, recovery and recycling.