Vol. 568 No. 5
133 Ms Breeda Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government if he is considering the introduction of new environment levies, similar to the plastic bag levy; the products being considered for such a levy; when it is expected that they will be introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16513/03]
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. While my Department is examining the issues raised in the Comhar report, final decisions have not yet been taken on the products which should be targeted as a priority and further study may be required before any final decisions can be made on the introduction of additional environmental levies.
