John Gormley
Question:26 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government his position on the proposed levy on plastic bags; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5119/01]
Written Answers. - Environmental Policy.
Jan O'Sullivan
Question:42 Ms O'Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government when the proposed levy on plastic bags will come into operation; the steps which are being taken to ensure that retailers provide shoppers with alternatives to plastic bags; if it is intended to apply the levy on a pro rata basis to other larger plastic bags such as those used for fertilisers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5153/01]
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:52 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the steps being taken to discourage the use of plastic bags in supermarkets and shops; and the plans he has to encourage alternatives. [5000/01]
I propose to answer Questions Nos. 26, 42 and 52 together.
The Government has agreed to the introduction by the Revenue Commissioners of a levy on all plastic shopping bags used here. This measure requires primary legislation, and an appropriate provision will be included in the forthcoming Waste Management (Amendment) Bill, 2001, to be published shortly. I intend to implement the levy as soon as possible.
The supply side measure referred to will be complemented by a mandatory point of sale charge by retailers, to ensure that the impact of the levy is fully passed on to consumers. The measures aims to directly influence consumer behaviour and achieve a reduction in the consumption of plastic shopping bags dispensed at retail outlets. These are a highly visible component of litter. Retailers must decide to what extent they will provide customers with alternatives to plastic shopping bags. Customers can use re-useable bags or other containers for shopping purposes, and avoid the levy. Utilising reusable shopping bags is part of an initiative on environmentally friendly shopping under the national environmental awareness campaign. I make a distinction between plastic shopping bags, and plastic bags used as primary packaging for products such as fertiliser. I have no proposals at this time to levy such primary packaging.