Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am happy to withdraw amendment No. 7 but have a question on something the Minister of State said. He said that the Minister can take materials out of the waste stream. He rightly cited these combination materials, referred to as PFAS, or per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances, which are the plastic coatings on what look like recyclable products but does the Minister really have that power? The Minister of State said that the Minister does have that power but there is a question as to whether the Minister can say that he or she will not allow PFAS or other materials to enter the waste stream. I understand that 35% of plastics that are put into the green bin are not recyclable. That is low-hanging fruit and if we could get some of that 35% out by just issuing regulations then everyone would be fairly happy. However, I do not get the impression that the Minister can do that.