Caít Keane (Fine Gael)

It has been suggested that it is planned to increase the levy to 70 cent. That is not what is in this legislation. This Bill provides for an increase in recognition of the proliferation in the number of bags in ditches. In 2007, the previous Government deemed it necessary to increase the levy from 15 cent to 22 cent, just as we deem it necessary to increase the levy now. What is good for the goose is good for the gander. It is proposed to adjust the levy in line with the variations in the consumer price index. As it cannot be adjusted by more than 10% in one year, it will not increase to 70 cent. I would like to point out that all the amendments that have been tabled today were tabled in the Dáil, word for word. The actual amendments tabled by my friends in Sinn Féin are also the same, word for word. Deputy Stanley-----