Seanad debates

Tuesday, 26 July 2011

Environment (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2011 [Dáil] : Committee and Remaining Stages

 

4:00 pm

Photo of Diarmuid WilsonDiarmuid Wilson (Fianna Fail)

I agree with my colleagues, Senators Ó Domhnaill and Ó Clochartaigh. Raising the ceiling to 70 cent means this could become a stealth tax down the road and lose its current effect. The measure is currently very useful. Senator Harte indicated that the only plastic bags we come across in the ditches around my county are those from Asda and other Northern Irish shops. I welcome the Minister's discussions with his counterpart in Northern Ireland, Mr. Alex Attwood, and that plans are progressing to introduce a levy in the North. That will at least eliminate plastic bag difficulties in the three southern counties of Ulster. I welcome the Minister's work in that regard. I agree with my colleague, Senator Ó Domhnaill, that if we were to increase the levy to 70 cent we would lose the whole idea behind it and it could become a stealth tax at some future stage.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.