Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 14 Oct 2003

Vol. 572 No. 3

Written Answers. - Environmental Policy.

Arthur Morgan

Question:

491 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government his views on whether the drop in the rate of compliance with the environmental levy on plastic bags from 79% on 30 June 2002 to 53% on 30 June 2003 is a matter of concern; the measures he intends to take to address this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22808/03]

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

Since the inception of the plastic bag levy, receipts remitted to my Department by the Revenue Commissioners amount to almost €16 million. Introduction of the levy has led to a dramatic reduction in the number of disposable plastic bags provided to consumers with a consequent positive environmental benefit.

However, I recognise the need to ensure that the efforts and commitment of the vast majority of retailers are not undermined by the non-compliance of a few. My Department wrote to local authorities in regard to the regulations and also met representatives of all local authorities to discuss enforcement and other aspects of the levy. A detailed circular on enforcement was issued to local authorities asking them to pay particular attention to the identification and follow-up of any non-compliance with the law.

All complaints received in my Department concerning non-compliance are forwarded to the relevant local authority and the Revenue Commissioners. The operation of the levy is also subject to the normal Revenue Commissioners auditing arrangements.

The Revenue Commissioners have advised my Department that the plastic bag levy compliance rates, quoted in the 2002 Report of the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General, are based on returns filed on 15 August 2003 from undertakings that were assessed as being potentially liable for the levy. The compliance rates for each period will improve over time as additional returns are filed. Additionally, I am advised that follow up enquiries to a sample of undertakings that did not submit returns in respect of the first period ending 30 June 2002 indicated that 80% of these non-filers had no liability to the levy.

The Revenue Commissioners have started a targeted campaign to issue estimates to those undertakings that have not filed for the first period and further plan to remove from the register, undertakings that no longer have a liability to the levy. In addition analysis of plastic bag levy receipts in respect of transactions up to 30 June 2003 indicate that the level of levies applied have remained constant since its introduction.

While the levy is operating successfully, my Department intends to carry out a detailed review of its operation and arrangements for this are being put in place.

Arthur Morgan

Question:

492 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government his plans to bring in further environmental levies in addition to the levy on plastic bags; and if so, the products or packaging on which he intends to impose such a levy. [22809/03]

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

On foot of the success of the environmental levy on plastic bags, introduced in March 2002, which has resulted in a reduction in the dispensing of plastic shopping bags at retail outlets by over 90%, An Agreed Programme for Government contained a commitment to consider the extension of the levy on plastic bags to other materials which may be problematic from a waste management and litter perspective.

A recent report in July 2003 issued by the litter monitoring body, which is co-ordinated by my Department, provides valuable statistical data on litter pollution in Ireland. Chewing gum is identified in the report as the single largest litter component in the food litter category and – after cigarette related litter – is the second largest litter component nationally. Fast-food take-away bags and wrappers are identified as the largest litter component in the packaging litter category. ATM receipts are also identified in the report as significant elements of paper litter. The results of the recent litter monitoring body report provide a significant basis for considering appropriate measures to deal with the litter problems caused by chewing gum, fast-food packaging and ATM receipts.

In light of the above, I announced my intention last July to take measures to tackle litter caused by chewing gum, fast-food packaging and ATM receipts. I recently commissioned consultants to carry out an analysis of the implementation of economic instruments, including environmental levies, with regard to these materials, to address the design issues associated with the implementation of recommended economic instruments, and the efficient administrative collection mechanisms to be applied. The consultants' report is due to be completed by end November next. It is my intention to bring forward detailed proposals to Cabinet at the earliest opportunity following a limited public consultation process, as well as consultation with other Departments.