On foot of the success of the plastic bag levy – which has dramatically reduced the number of disposable plastic bags provided to consumers, with a consequent positive impact on visible nuisance litter – An Agreed Programme for Government states that consideration will be given to the extension of the levy on plastic bags to other areas such as non-reusable packaging. My Department is actively considering the issues involved, including a report prepared by Comhar, the national sustainable development partnership, which suggests that levies could be considered for problematic waste streams, subject to proper evaluation. Final decisions have not yet been taken on products which should be targeted as a priority in this regard.
Question No. 130 answered with Question No. 122.