Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 6 Mar 2001

Vol. 532 No. 1

Written Answers. - Tax on Plastic Bags.

Bernard Allen

Question:

241 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if, in relation to the tax on plastic bags, he will state the way in which the levy is to be spent; the way in which the levy is to be collected; if there are future plans for taxing of other packaging material; if he has checked any of the other European countries to see the way in which they deal with recycling; the date on which he proposes to introduce the tax on carrier bags; and the way in which he proposes to monitor the implementation of the tax on carrier bags. [6572/01]

Bernard Allen

Question:

242 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the way in which the Revenue Commissioners propose to collect the tax on plastic carrier bags; and when the tax will be introduced. [6580/01]

Bernard Allen

Question:

243 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he has consulted with the packaging companies in the decision-making process related to tax on carrier bags. [6595/01]

Bernard Allen

Question:

244 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if the tax on carrier bags will also be imposed on the bags designed for long-term use. [6596/01]

Deirdre Clune

Question:

257 Ms Clune asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the way in which he will introduce the proposed tax on plastic bags; when such a measure will be in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6835/01]

Minister for the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Dempsey):

I propose to take Questions Nos. 241 to 244, inclusive, and Question No. 257 together.

The Government has agreed to the introduction by the Revenue Commissioners of a levy on the supply of plastic shopping bags. This measure requires primary legislation and appropriate provision – which will also enable the application of a levy to be extended to other articles – will be made in the forthcoming Waste Management (Amendment) Bill, 2001, which will be published shortly. It is my intention to implement the levy as soon as possible this year.

The detailed modalities relating to the implementation, collection and enforcement of the proposed levy are currently being finalised. The specific types of plastic shopping bag to be subject to levy will be specified in due course in regulations.

The primary purpose of the proposed measure is to directly influence consumer behaviour and achieve a significant reduction in the consumption of plastic shopping bags dispensed at retail outlets, because of their significance as a highly visible component of litter. It will be open to customers to utilise reusable bags or other containers for shopping purposes and thereby avoid exposure to the proposed levy. In this regard, I have highlighted the desirability of utilising reusable shopping bags as part of a specific initiative on environmentally friendly shopping under the ongoing national environmental awareness campaign.

My Department has engaged in ongoing consultations with the Revenue Commissioners as well as with representatives of manufacturers, distributors and relevant retail groups in relation to the introduction of the levy. Account has been taken of the implementation mechanisms adopted in other jurisdictions, such as Denmark and Italy, where similar type levies have previously been introduced, in the formulation of a suitable implementation strategy here. The net revenues generated by the proposed levy will be hypothecated to a dedicated environment fund for use in support of appropriate anti-litter, waste management and other environmental initiatives.

Question No. 245 answered with Question No. 225.