US embassy cable - 04DUBLIN1821

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