Climate Change Policy

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 July 2019

Tuesday, 9 July 2019

Ceisteanna (721)

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

721. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs 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 that have confirmed they no longer purchase and use single-use plastics, respectively; the bodies that have not provided such confirmation to date; when they will confirm; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29979/19]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs

My Department has ceased the purchase of single-use plastics in response to the Government decision in January 2019 that government departments, public bodies, and schools will lead the way in the response to cutting down on single use plastics, with a number of measures, including no longer purchasing single-use plastic cups, cutlery and straws for use within their offices.

My Department advised agencies under its remit of this decision in early February 2019 and the Adoption Authority and Oberstown Children's Detention Campus have confirmed to my officials they also no longer purchase single-use plastics. I have requested that Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, and the Ombudsman for Children respond directly to the Deputy.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A