The European Environment Agency notes, in its environmental signals report for 2002, that municipal waste generation continues to increase across the EU. The EU's sustainable development strategy and the 6th Environmental Action Programme recognise, as an important objective, the need to break the link between economic growth, the use of resources and the generation of waste. I will work closely with the European Commission and Council of Ministers over the coming year in regard to policy development towards thematic strategies on sustainable use and the management of resources and on recycling. This will include proposals to reach the objectives set out in the 6th Environmental Action Programme.

At national level An Agreed Programme for Government sets out our agenda for better waste management over this Government's term of office, including enhanced prevention, reuse and recycling. More particularly, in line with the policy statement Preventing and Recycling Waste: Delivering Change, the EPA is developing the detailed arrangements to give effect to the national waste prevention programme included in the statement. I shall continue, with the relevant sectors, to place a high priority on the completion of producer responsibility initiatives for significant waste streams as these have the capacity to provide a direct economic incentive for waste prevention.

year in regard to policy development towards thematic strategies on sustainable use and the management of resources and on recycling. This will include proposals to reach the objectives set out in the 6th Environmental Action Programme.