Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 177:

In page 142, between lines 19 and 20, to insert the following:

“Report on the possibilities of a tax or taxes on the use of plastic60. The Minister shall, within 6 months of the passing of this Act, prepare and lay before Dáil Éireann a report setting out the possibilities for an ambitious tax or set of taxes on the use of plastic, to:

(a) reduce the overall level of plastic use in the economy; and

(b) incentivise widespread re-use and recycling of the plastic that is used.”.

I do not want to discuss this proposal in detail because it is something I want to look at again and deal with on Report Stage. However, I would like to hear the view of the Minister on amendment No. 177 which seeks a report setting out the possibilities of an ambitious tax or set of taxes on the use of plastics to reduce the overall level of plastics used in our economy and to incentivise widespread re-use and recycling of plastics. We know that taxing plastics can have a big effect in reducing the overall level of plastic use in the economy, incentivising widespread use of recycling and re-use. Such taxes can be designed in a way that can specifically aim to curb the production of virgin plastics and incentivise recycling plastics and renewables. This is something that should be considered. The amendment here is asking for consideration of this suggestion and a report.

I am not asking for a commitment to any such tax, but I think there is merit in considering this in advance of next year's Finance Bill.