Vol. 550 No. 4
465 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the enforcement mechanisms which are in place to ensure the retail premises are asking their customers to pay the plastic bag levy; and whether the measure is being enforced in many units. [8657/02]
The Waste Management (Environmental Levy) (Plastic Bag) Regulations, 2001 designate the Revenue Com missioners as the responsible authority for enforcing the collection of the plastic shopping bag levy. In addition, the regulations impose a supplementary requirement on retailers to pass on the full amount of the levy to customers, and this regulatory provision is being enforced by local authorities. The relevant enforcement officers have extensive powers to enter any retail premises, to conduct any searches or investigations considered necessary, and to inspect or remove any records, books and documents for the purposes of any proceedings in relation to the levy.
I am satisfied that the Revenue Commissioners and the local authorities have the necessary powers – equivalent to those available in respect of the implementation and enforcement of relevant taxation and other waste management measures – to ensure that the levy can be successfully applied and that any efforts to evade liability can be detected.
The introduction of the levy has been very successful and my Department has had very few complaints about non-compliance. However, I recognise the need to ensure that the efforts and commitment of the vast majority of retailers are not undermined by the non-compliance of a few. My Department wrote to local authorities in January in regard to the regulations and also met representatives of all local authorities to discuss enforcement and other aspects of the levy, prior to its introduction. A further detailed circular on enforcement was issued to local authorities this week asking them to pay particular attention to the identification and follow up of any non-compliance with the law.
466 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he will confirm that funds have been approved by his Department for the provision of a one-stop-shop for Castlepollard, County Westmeath; the amount of money allocated for this project; the date his approval was given; if this building is to accommodate any other public service; the tenders which are being sought for this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8663/02]
I refer to the reply to Question No. 168 of 14 February 2002. The position is unchanged.
