Joe Flaherty (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I am conscious that we are tight on time so I will not delay. Following two meetings on this matter, the Department will be very aware that it is a serious issue for the committee. There is a great deal of concern, especially in light of the testimony we heard from representatives of the two companies. We accept, to a point, that 80% is a relatively good take-up but nothing short of 100% of collection of plastics throughout the country is an acceptable goal for us.

In summary, we would like to see ongoing engagement with the Department on this. Given what we have learned during the past two meetings, this issue has been ramped up our agenda. Regarding focus and how big a priority this is for the Department, and based on the concerns we raised, has this issue been scaled up by the Department to where it is seen as a priority? What reassurance can we be given that departmental officials will go away from the meeting today and that we will see meaningful engagement on trying to meet that 100% target?