14 February 2007

Environment

Recycling for Newspaper and Magazine Sector

Ciarán Cuffe asked the Minister for Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on the delay in the implementation of a producer responsibility scheme for the newspaper and magazine sector, given that it was the view of his Department, as far back as 2001, that systems were available for such an implementation; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. Roche):

Discussions are ongoing with the newsprint industry with a view to developing a producer responsibility initiative (PRI) for the recovery and recycling of newspapers and magazines. Discussions have focussed on waste prevention and minimisation issues in the newsprint industry specifically the practice of “Boxing Out” i.e. oversupply of magazines; recovery and recycling of unsold newspapers and magazines and post–consumer newsprint waste.

A Joint Industry Taskforce, comprising the Regional Newspapers Association of Ireland (RNAI), Irish Retail Newsagents Association (IRNA), Newspread and Eason Wholesale Ltd, and co-ordinated by National Newspapers of Ireland (NNI) is leading the negotiations with my Department.

Since the establishment of the Taskforce progress has been made by the industry in increasing the use of recycled paper in newsprint. My Department has asked the Taskforce to develop an industry code of practice with a view to preventing and minimising waste in this sector. At the suggestion of the Department the National Newspapers of Ireland (NNI) representing the newsprint publishers have now appointed an Environment Officer who is examining the issues referred to above. I understand that when this review is complete following consultations with the other stakeholders in the industry, new proposals will be submitted to the Department.

My Department will continue to engage with the Joint Taskforce on developing a stable and sustainable industry initiative for the management of this important waste stream.