Vol. 508 No. 3
70 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the legislative or other steps, if any, he will take arising from the recently published consultancy report on plas tic bags; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18706/99]
93 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if consumers will pay for their plastic bags at the checkouts in supermarkets as a result of his proposals for a tax on plastic bags; if so, when this will come into effect; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18772/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 70 and 93 together.
On 19 August 1999, I published a consultancy study on the use and environmental impact of plastic bags, for the purposes of public consultation over a two month period. This study identified a range of possible fiscal, regulatory and other options to address the environmental problems created by plastic bags, including the question of a levy on such bags. Following the public consultation process, I will bring forward proposals to implement the Government commitment to tax plastic bags.
