Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome this Bill, which has been long awaited in this House. The main provisions of the Bill include the establishment of a circular economy fund by way of the charging of a levy to encourage people and suppliers to move to reusable alternatives; the recycling of certain single-use items; a prohibition on the supply of certain single-use items where suitable alternatives are available; the making of a national food waste prevention strategy; and, importantly, amendments to various Acts to allow for the detection and prosecution of illegal litter and waste disposal through the use of CCTV and other digital images. I welcome this particular aspect of the Bill. The provisions contained within it will allow for the use of CCTV to detect illegal activity. I am dumbfounded at the stance of the Data Protection Commissioner on this issue. Some local authorities have had to remove CCTV that could have been used to prevent crime and illegal fly-tipping in wonderful scenic areas. Thankfully, that issue is being dealt with in this Bill. It is important this Bill is fast-tracked such that local authorities will be in a position to install CCTV, catch the culprits and bring them before the courts.

There is one other aspect I would like to raise. In our rural areas, towns and villages throughout the country, there are many volunteers working in Tidy Towns groups and community development organisations, spending many hours every week cleaning up waste, rubbish and so on to make those towns and villages nice environments. There should be some recognition given to Tidy Towns groups in the fund to be created. I acknowledge the nominal support provided by the Department of Rural and Community Development to Tidy Towns, which is a wonderful movement. Ennis was named the tidiest town in Ireland, which is huge success for a county town. There should be recognition of those who work voluntarily to keep our areas clean. I ask the Minister of State to consider that proposal.

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