Climate Change Policy

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 July 2019

Tuesday, 9 July 2019

Ceisteanna (123)

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

123. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if his Department has ceased the purchase and use of single-use plastics; the public bodies and agencies under his remit to which he has issued an instruction to cease the purchase and use of single-use plastics; when the instruction issued; the bodies which have confirmed that they no longer purchase and use single-use plastics, respectively; the bodies which have not provided such confirmation to date; when they will confirm; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29982/19]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

Following receipt of the letter of 22nd January 2019 from the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment advising the Department of the Government Decision of the 3rd January 2019, instructing Departments and Agencies on Single Use Plastics (SUPs) procurement, the Department of Defence immediately ceased purchasing and using plastic beverage cups, cutlery and drinking straws.

The Department requested the Defence Forces, on 29th January 2019, to comply with the requirements of the Government Decision. The Defence Forces have instructed all Procurement Officers to comply with the Government Decision and cease the purchasing of all single use plastic cups, cutlery and straws.

The use of the specified plastic items which have been purchased prior to the instruction continues in a small number of locations, but this will cease once current stocks are depleted.