Vol. 495 No. 1
67 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the plans, if any, he has, to exercise the powers available to him under section 29(4)(i) of the Waste Management Act, 1996, to discourage the use of plastic bags by retailers. [19122/98]
332 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the plans, if any, he has to implement proposals in respect of plastic bags; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19664/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 67 and 332 together.
As indicated in the reply to Questions No. 335 of 6 October 1998, my Department is in the process of finalising a consultancy appointment in regard to a proposed study on plastic bags and their impact on the environment. The terms of reference for this study include the identification and evaluation of possible measures to minimise the use of such bags, including fiscal measures and producer responsibility obligations under section 29 of the Waste Management Act, 1996. The proposed study is scheduled for completion in December 1998, and I will give immediate consideration to its findings and recommendations.
