Paul Gogarty (Dublin Mid West, Green Party)

On a previous occasion, I asked the Tánaiste whether the Government would consider introducing a refundable deposit on bottle and cans, which would have the almost immediate effect of halving the litter problem. Children and other offenders would not throw bottles and cans around if a 20 cent or 50 cent deposit could be recouped on each item. In her response, the Tánaiste said that such legislation was not possible because it would be illegal under the packaging directive. Subsequently, I tabled a question on this matter for the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government who clearly stated that it was not illegal under the packages directive. Therefore, I have two questions to ask. First, will the Tánaiste clarify the record of the House that a refundable deposit on bottles and cans is not illegal? Second, given that the litter problem continues to grow, will the Government consider introducing such legislation?

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