Earlier this year the Government approved a number of environmental initiatives proposed by the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment. The Government decided that departments and public bodies will lead the way in reducing generation of single use plastics and waste. This decision recognises that the public sector must demonstrate its commitment to sustainable development and use its influence to persuade others of the changes required to reduce our impact on the environment.
All education bodies, including schools, agencies, higher education institutions and education and training bodies are asked to implement these actions as part of our contribution to environmental actions and sustainability.
In the case of schools the Department communicated this requirement by notifying the school management bodies.
Further communications will issue to schools in relation to alternative procurement options and reporting of compliance by schools which may be in the form of a circular, following consultation with the school partners.