In December 1999 the Irish Cosmetics and Detergents Association (ICDA) entered into a voluntary agreement with my predecessor for the effective phasing-out by end 2002 of the marketing of phosphate-based domestic laundry detergent products by ICDA members. ICDA represents some 90% of the domestic laundry detergents market in Ireland.

The agreement provides for a phased move to zero-phosphate products by ICDA members as follows: by 30 June 2000, 55% of market share to be zero-phosphate; by 31 December 2001, 90% of market share to be zero-phosphate, and by 31 December 2002, 95% of market share to be zero-phosphate.

I am satisfied with the progress that has been achieved to date for compliance with the interim targets and I understand that ICDA was on track in 2002 to deliver the final phase of the Agreement. The submission to my Department of ICDA's audited sales figures for 2002 is due at end June 2003 and will provide additional information as to sales trends at end 2002.

In a similar initiative, my Department is in continuing liaison with the non-ICDA sector and significant progress is being achieved towards securing a similar phase-out by that sector of the marketing of phosphate-based domestic laundry detergents.

The responses of the ICDA and non-ICDA sectors represent a significant and commendable industry contribution to the reduction of phosphorus losses to Irish waters and is an important element of the Government’s catchment-based strategy against eutrophication.

I have no proposals at present for other similar initiatives.