Michael Kitt (Galway East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for his reply. The figure of 15%, while an improvement, is still high. This is an important issue because of the cost involved in removing this particular product from our streets. The problem boils down to the irresponsible disposal of chewing gum. Like the Minister, I am not trying to stop anyone from using chewing gum; it is the disposal of gum that is the issue. We have reached a compromise with the industry whereby it is funding an advertising campaign. However, if this situation continues, I do not envisage seeing any further improvements.

The Wrigley company has its headquarters in Chicago and, to the best of my knowledge, there is no problem with chewing gum or other litter on the streets of that city. We must try to get some more help from the industry. It was proposed in the past to put a levy on the chewing gum itself but that would have hit the consumer unfairly. It is very regrettable that the industry is not prepared, as I understand it, to contribute towards the cost of removing the gum from our streets. Will the Minister indicate if any discussions have taken place on the development of a biodegradable product?

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