Climate Change Policy

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 July 2019

Tuesday, 9 July 2019

Ceisteanna (327)

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

327. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if her Department has ceased the purchase and use of single-use plastics; the public bodies and agencies under her remit to which she 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 she will make a statement on the matter. [29978/19]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Heather Humphreys)

In line with the memorandum brought forward by the Minister for Communications, Climate Action & Environment in January 2019, my Department, its Offices and Agencies have ceased to purchase single use plastics (SUP). My Department wholeheartedly supports this initiative which will aid in our collective response to mitigate environmental waste and climate change.

In January, the purchasing section within my Department immediately implemented the memorandum. My Department through its Green Team informed all staff of the Department including its Offices on 28 February and outlined sustainable and recyclable alternatives to SUPs.

All State agencies under my aegis have also confirmed that they have ceased purchasing SUPs and are actively involved in seeking and implementing viable alternatives such as glasses in meeting rooms, reusable and sustainable keep cups; water bottles and compostable cups.

In accordance with the terms of the memorandum my Department will be providing regular update reports to the Department of Communications, Climate Action & Environment on the level of progress being made within my Department and on the measures we are taking to minimise waste generation and maximise recycling.