Vol. 566 No. 4
154 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he is considering the introduction of new environment levies, similar to the plastic bag levy; and the products being considered for such a levy. [12955/03]
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. I am considering the issues raised in the Comhar report although final decisions have not yet been taken on which products should be targeted as a priority in this regard.
