Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 7 Oct 2003

Vol. 571 No. 4

Written Answers. - Plastic Bag Levy.

John Dennehy

Ceist:

522 Mr. Dennehy asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government if he has satisfied himself with the operation of the plastic bag levy; the way in which the revenue raised can be spent; and if he has further satisfied himself that all retailers are complying with their obligations in respect of the levy. [22359/03]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. Cullen)

Since the inception of the plastic bag levy, receipts remitted to my Department by the Revenue Commissioners amount to almost €16 million. Introduction of the levy has led to a dramatic reduction in the number of disposable plastic bags provided to consumers with a consequent positive environmental benefit.

Revenues from the levy are paid into the environment fund. It may be used to support a wide range of waste management, litter and other environmental initiatives as provided for in section 74(9) of the Waste Management Act 1996, as inserted by section 12 of the Waste Management (Amendment) Act 2001.

The Waste Management (Environmental Levy) (Plastic Bag) Regulations 2001 designate the Revenue Commissioners as the responsible authority for enforcing the collection of the plastic shopping bag levy. In addition, the regulations impose a supplementary requirement on retailers to pass on the full amount of the levy to customers. This regulatory provision is being enforced by local authorities. The relevant enforcement officers have extensive powers to enter any retail premises, to conduct any searches or investigations considered necessary, and to inspect or remove any records, books and documents for the purposes of any proceedings in relation to the levy.

My Department has had few complaints about non-compliance. I recognise the need to ensure that the efforts and commitment of the vast majority of retailers are not undermined by the non-compliance of a few. My Department wrote to local authorities in regard to the regulations and also met representatives of all local authorities to discuss enforcement and other aspects of the levy, prior to its introduction. A further detailed circular on enforcement was issued to local authorities asking them to pay particular attention to the identification and follow-up of any non-compliance with the law. All complaints received in my Department concerning non-compliance are forwarded to the relevant local authority and the Revenue Commissioners. The operation of the levy is also subject to the normal Revenue Commissioners auditing arrangements.

While the levy is operating successfully, my Department intends to carry out a detailed review of its operation and arrangements for this are being put in place.