Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 4 October 2018
31. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the new report, Single-Use Plastics: A Roadmap for Sustainability, released by the United Nations Environment Programme (details supplied); and the steps being taken to ensure international action to reduce global plastic use and pollution. [40113/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI strongly welcome the recent release of the important report on Single Use Plastics by the United Nations Environment Programme. This report is the first comprehensive global assessment of government action, and includes a helpful ten-step roadmap for governments in addressing plastic waste. I am particularly pleased that the report singles Ireland out as an example of best practice, as pioneers in the introduction of a plastic bag levy at the point of sale in 2002.
The report highlights the vast human, social, environmental and economic cost of plastic pollution to the world.
Plastic pollution marks a major hindrance to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, which the world agreed to in 2015. Ireland is no exception. Ireland’s strong reliance on fisheries, agriculture and tourism for economic prosperity means that we must continue to be ambitious in addressing plastic pollution.
I strongly support the UN Global Plastics Platform, which was launched last week at the UN General Assembly where Ireland was represented. UN action will help to encourage stronger collective response to a shared problem.
The European Plastics Strategy was launched in May 2018, including associated Plastics Directive. Delivery of the Plastics Strategy is a matter for the Department of Communications, Climate Action and the Environment.
