Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 July 2020
67. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the extent to which he expects to be in a position to bring about a reduction in plastic waste onshore and offshore; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16204/20]
View answerI am committed to tackling the problems associated with single use plastics and my Department is working to transpose and implement EU Directive 2019/904, commonly referred to as the Single Use Plastics Directive, at the earliest possible date. The aim of this Directive is to tackle the ten single-use plastic products and fishing gear that together make up 70% of the marine litter found on EU beaches. The Directive introduces measures which will enable the prohibition of certain single use items being placed on the market including polystyrene food and beverage containers, plastic cutlery and plates, straws and balloon sticks.
Waste management practices are evolving and I will shortly be bringing forward an ambitious new waste policy which will reflect and exceed the level of ambition in the Single Use Plastics Directive and the EU's Circular Economy Package.
