Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
04DUBLIN1821
2004-12-20 18:02:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Dublin
Cable title:  

IRISH RESPONSE TO DEMARCHE ON THE EU BATTERY

Tags:  EIND ETRD SENV EUN 
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UNCLAS DUBLIN 001821 

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EIND ETRD SENV EUN
SUBJECT: IRISH RESPONSE TO DEMARCHE ON THE EU BATTERY
DIRECTIVE

REF: STATE 259043

UNCLAS DUBLIN 001821

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EIND ETRD SENV EUN
SUBJECT: IRISH RESPONSE TO DEMARCHE ON THE EU BATTERY
DIRECTIVE

REF: STATE 259043


1. On December 17, Des Howard, Higher Executive Officer in
the Waste Infrastructure and Regulation Section of the
Department of the Environment and Local Government, responded
to reftel queries on Ireland's views regarding the EU battery
directive.

A) What is Ireland's position on the ban of
lead/cadmium/mercury?

The Irish Government favors the proposed ban on cadmium,
subject to exemptions for the cordless power tool industry.
The Government favors the mercury and lead bans as proposed.

B) Does Ireland have a collection system in place for
batteries?

Ireland's battery collection system is focused on automotive
and industrial batteries. A collection system for portable
(general appliance) batteries is still in the developmental
stages.

C) What is the position of your country on collection targets?

Collection targets are currently being negotiated in
Brussels, and Ireland can accept the Presidency compromise
proposal as currently tabled. Although shorter lead times of
up to one year for the second and third targets would be
acceptable, Ireland would oppose any shortening of the period
for the initial 20 percent target, due to the relatively
underdeveloped state of battery collection/recycling in
Ireland.

D) What is the position of your country on the financing of
collection?

Financing should be "producer-driven," with take-back systems
for automotive and industrial batteries.

E) Has your country formally assessed the impact this
directive will have on domestic appliance and battery
manufacturers?

Ireland has not conducted a formal cost/benefit analysis or
scientific impact assessment of the directive. The
Department of the Environment and Local Government, however,
is considering the general implications of the directive.
KENNY