Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 January 2023
103. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide an update on the introduction of a levy on the use of virgin plastics; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1313/23]
View answerThe Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy 2020-2025 commits to examining measures to support increased use of recycled materials in packaging including the possible introduction of a virgin plastic levy. Any interventions in the market must be carefully assessed and my officials are engaging with stakeholders to better understand current behaviour in the plastics recycling market.
My Department is also monitoring plans at an EU level to deal with virgin plastic. On 30 November 2022, as part of its Circular Economy Package, the European Commission published proposed revisions to the Packaging and Packaging Waste legislation. One of the actions proposed by the Commission is the inclusion of mandatory recycled plastic content rates in new plastic packaging which will further boost the market for recycled materials.
