Fiona O'Loughlin (Kildare South, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I sometimes believe that this country is literally drowning in plastic. Everywhere one looks, one sees plastic in the form of packaging, disposable cutlery, coffee cups and water bottles. This is a local, national and global crisis. Any analysis of roadside waste in my constituency in Kildare or in any other part of Ireland would show a very high proportion of disposable coffee cups and single-use plastic water bottles. Apart from the very unsightly waste on our roads and streets, and at some of the country's more scenic spots, the cleaning up by local authorities and local community groups gives rise to a considerable cost in terms of resources. There is also the huge threat to marine life and there is an unknown risk and impact on people's health. Research has shown that some plastic items can take 400 years to break down, which is shocking. It is estimated that 2% to 5% of all plastics produced end up in the oceans causing significant problems.

Much needs to be done and the State definitely needs to lead the way. One measure recommended recently by the Joint Committee on Education and Skills is the provision of free drinking water in schools. We made that recommendation to try to bring students away from fizzy, carbonated drinks. This would also have an impact because children would not need plastic bottles. This one small measure could make a huge difference and minimise the need to use plastic bottles.

I commend my colleagues in the Labour Party and the Green Party on bringing forward the Bill to make illegal by 2020 the sale or free distribution of single-use tableware that cannot be composted. This is to be welcomed. The motion also seeks the introduction of a bottle deposit scheme. There are some issues that my party would need to address but we will do so on Committee Stage. I will be commending the Bill to the House.

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