Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

We have to make sure the system is right for Irish circumstances, but we also have to make sure that we are not afraid of pushing the industry. In the case of a deposit refund scheme the latest research we have shows that our companies are paying only 0.2% per container towards the recycling system. We think that should rise to the European average, if not slightly higher. That is the primary mechanism by which we can fund the new deposit refund scheme. Companies will like that but it is part of their responsibility. It is called corporate social environmental responsibility. If everyone is doing it, there is no disadvantage to one company over another. There will be a fair and level playing field and companies will not be at a significant disadvantage. I am glad to hear that the Minister seems willing to allow the Bill to go to Committee Stage. I will talk to the Ceann Comhairle and make sure that whatever he needs to do is done.

I wish to make a wider point. This is one very important aspect of what we need to do. Another important aspect of the European circular economy and plastics directive means we have to do much more. I fear that the news today that there will be another 250,000 tonne incinerator - incinerators love plastic because it gives them energy to burn - is in direct contradiction to the European circular economy and plastics strategy. It is not a circular economy when waste is being burned. There is still 20% ash and all sorts of environmental considerations. The wasteful use of material is just plain wrong. How does the Minister intend to implement other massive changes we need to make when we will be burning so much waste?

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