Vol. 555 No. 1
217 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he is considering the provision of a tax on heavy duty plastic sacks similar to the retail plastic bag tax; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17592/02]
270 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the size of plastic bag which is charged 15 cent by regulation from his Department; his plans to extend this regulation to cover industrial plastic bags; if so, the charge and size of such industrial bag; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17657/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 217 and 270 together.
The 15 cent levy on plastic bags, as provided for in the Waste Management (Environmental Levy) (Plastic Bag) Regulations 2001, applies to all plastic bags supplied to customers at the point of sale to them of goods or products to be placed in the bags in any shop, supermarket, service station or other sales outlet. There is an exemption for bags used for non-packaged fresh food products – fish, meat, poultry, fruit and vegetables etc. The dimensions of these bags must not exceed 225mm in width – exclusive of any gussets – by 345mm in depth – inclusive of any gussets – by 450mm in length – inclusive of any handles. Plastic bags designed for re-use and which are sold to customers for a sum of not less than 70 cent are also exempt as are bags provided to departing passengers in ports or airports, and on board ships or aircraft. The levy does not apply to plastic primary packaging, in the form of bags or otherwise, containing goods or products, regardless of size or contents.
