Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 6 Dec 2001

Vol. 546 No. 1

Written Answers. - Environmental Policy.

Jimmy Deenihan

Ceist:

13 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he will consider the introduction of a reduced levy on degradable plastic bags in order to encourage their widespread use and reflect their impact on the environment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31016/01]

Eamon Gilmore

Ceist:

40 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the date on which the new levy on plastic shopping bags will be introduced; if he has received advice that a two-tier levy should be introduced with a lower rate for degradable bags; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31100/01]

Minister for the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Dempsey)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 13 and 40 together.

Draft regulations to introduce a levy on plastic shopping bags were released for public consultation on 18 September last. These propose that the levy, to be charged at 15 cent per bag with effect from 4 February 2002, will apply to all plastic bags suitable for use by customers at point of sale in retail outlets, with certain specified exemptions such as smaller bags used for non-packaged fresh food products. Provision is not made for an exemption for degradable bags, as the levy proposals have a strong anti-litter emphasis.

A two-month consultation period was provided to give interested parties an opportunity to make comments or observations in relation to the draft regulations. A number of interested parties have sought changes to, or exemptions from, the regulations. For this reason, it is neither desirable nor appropriate for me to address any specific submission in advance of final decisions in relation to all submissions that have been received. I am now considering all submissions made and I intend to make the final regulations shortly.