I propose to take Questions Nos. 217 and 270 together.
The 15 cent levy on plastic bags, as provided for in the Waste Management (Environmental Levy) (Plastic Bag) Regulations 2001, applies to all plastic bags supplied to customers at the point of sale to them of goods or products to be placed in the bags in any shop, supermarket, service station or other sales outlet. There is an exemption for bags used for non-packaged fresh food products – fish, meat, poultry, fruit and vegetables etc. The dimensions of these bags must not exceed 225mm in width – exclusive of any gussets – by 345mm in depth – inclusive of any gussets – by 450mm in length – inclusive of any handles. Plastic bags designed for re-use and which are sold to customers for a sum of not less than 70 cent are also exempt as are bags provided to departing passengers in ports or airports, and on board ships or aircraft. The levy does not apply to plastic primary packaging, in the form of bags or otherwise, containing goods or products, regardless of size or contents.