Vol. 492 No. 3
14 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the plans, if any, he has to ban the use of plastic bags in shops and supermarkets; if he has considered placing a tax on plastic bags; the strategy, if any, he has to eliminate or reduce plastic bag use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13740/98]
19 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government when he will impose a charge on the issuing of plastic bags in retail outlets in line with regulations provided for in the Waste Management Act, 1996, in view of the failure of the voluntary code to reduce this form of waste and litter. [13861/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 14 and 19 together.
Plastic bags are a particular contributor to litter pollution, and they have not so far been effectively tackled by local authorities using the powers available to them under the Litter Pollution Act, l997. While I have no plans at present to ban such bags, I recognise the need for increased efforts by local authorities, business and the public to eliminate this form of litter pollution.
There are a number of options to address the use of plastic bags. A taxation approach has been raised by the Minister for the Environment and Local Government with the Minister for Finance in the context of pursuing environmental tax options. We are examining the issues involved in applying such a tax. The range of powers available to me under the Waste Management Act, l996, also include various possibilities in respect of waste prevention including mandatory charges and prohibitions. On the wider issue of litter pollution, of which plastic bags form a significant part, I intend to introduce an independent monitoring mechanism which will systematically quantify the extent and composition of litter. I will use its findings to assist local authorities to promote more responsible behaviour in areas particularly affected, and to help in determining what further measures are necessary to deal with particular forms of behaviour, including the use of plastic bags.
