My Department has ceased the purchase and use of single-use plastics in accordance with the Government Decision announced by Minister Bruton in January.
The introduction of these measures under the Government's plan for the reduction of single-use plastics, the prevention of waste and green public procurement was advised to those bodies and agencies and bodies under the aegis of my Department during the week commencing 7th January. In accordance with the plan they were required not to purchase single-use plastic beverage cups, cutlery or drinking straws after 31st March (except where public health or hygiene issues arise) and to report to me by the end of November on the measures they were taking to minimise waste generation and maximise recycling.
My Department will be in further liaison with those bodies under its remit in relation to progress achieved in advance of the end November reporting deadline on measures being taken to minimise waste generation and maximise recycling.
The bodies and agencies under the remit of my Department are:
The Arts Council
The Chester Beatty Library
An Coimisinéir Teanga
The Crawford Art Gallery
An Foras Teanga
The Heritage Council
The Irish Film Board
The Irish Museum of Modern Art
The National Archives
The National Concert Hall
The National Gallery of Ireland
The National Library of Ireland
The National Museum of Ireland
Údarás na Gaeltachta
Waterways Ireland