Michael Mullins (Fine Gael)

I would be concerned if the Minister were to increase the levy to 70 cent immediately. That does not appear to be his intention, however, on the basis of the statement he made today. It is prudent to give him the option of increasing the levy over a period of years if it is not working at the current level. I agree with other speakers that the introduction of the levy some years ago by a previous Minister was an extremely good move. It has tidied up the countryside and led to a significant improvement in our efforts to make our towns, villages and countryside much tidier and more welcoming to our visitors. I do not agree with Senator Ó Clochartaigh that a modest increase on the current 22 cent rate would impose major hardship on any family. Most families have a supply of reusable bags that they bring to shops on an ongoing basis. If the levy were to be increased by a few cent, it might give business people an opportunity to make reusable bags available as an incentive to customers to shop in their stores. Although certain opportunities would be associated with a review of the levy, I would not like the Minister to go wild and increase it to an alarming level like 70 cent. A modest increase in this small charge would counteract the loss of impact of the current 22 cent level, which was mentioned by Senator Mooney. I appeal to shopkeepers to be innovative. At a time when we are trying to get people to spend more money and to go to their local stores, traders should avail of the business opportunity I have mentioned.