Vol. 483 No. 3
272 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he intends to take action on the problem of plastic bags; whether he has discussed the possibility with the Department of Finance of introducing a tax or charge on plastic bags. [20303/97]
: My Department is examining options for action on the problem of plastic bags, and the possibility of a taxation initiative in this area has been raised by the Minister for the Environment and Local Government with the Minister for Finance.
I refer to the reply to Question No. 10 of 14 October in which I outlined the steps generally being taken to further develop the recycling of waste, including packaging waste. Financial assistance allocated under the Operational Programme for Environmental Services 1994-99 includes support for facilities to recycle waste plastic.
