Sharon Keogan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

The Minister of State is welcome to the Chamber. The circular economy Bill is in keeping with the Green Party's approach to policy in that it is ineffective and targets ordinary people who are already struggling with existing charges. In theory, this Bill aims to support Ireland's transition to a circular economy but the methodology of the studies it is based on is very flawed. In practice, the coffee cup levy is just another imposition on small businesses and people who are already struggling to cope. Not only that but it will also be ineffective.

The Bill is wide in scope and has many unintended consequences. It is based on a flawed methodology, life-cycle thinking, which aims to assess the impacts of the generation and the management of waste but fails to consider certain environmental, economic and risk management factors. Reusables produce 2.8 times more carbon dioxide and consume 3.4 times more fresh water than single-use-based products. Studies show that a reusable coffee cup, if washed four times a day, is discarded after nine to 12 days. I do not know how many reusable coffee cups I have had but I certainly do not know where any of them are today. Reusable coffee cups also have very short life cycles.

It is also likely that many environmentally conscious people will be unable to use reusable cups. In the UK, only 6% of traders use reusables due to the fact that they are legally liable.In Ireland, the Food Safety Authority of Ireland, FSAI, has previously stated that coffee shops are legally liable for any illness, injury or safety issues that arise. It is likely that many outlets will not accept reusable coffee cups due to the legal risk as our country becomes increasingly litigious. In many cases, people will not be able to avoid the levies and choose what is perceived to be the more environmental option. Whether it is carbon taxes or an attempt to ban the use of turf, the Green Party seems determined to make everyday necessities more difficult for ordinary people to use.

The provisions on the GDPR-compliant use of CCTV is also concerning. I have been an advocate for CCTV in Duleek, Donore and other areas in County Meath. CCTV plays a very important role in helping keep our communities safe and in ensuring that people do not dump large amounts of waste. However, the imposition of fines on any person who does not dispose of coffee cups in the right way is too harsh. A fine for littering may not be very costly to the people in this Chamber, but the measure will affect many people who are simply living pay cheque to pay cheque. It has the potential to cause major upheaval, particularly at a time when so many of our citizens are struggling to pay. As a Senator and a former county councillor, I volunteer every Saturday in my town for Tidy Towns. I am regularly seen picking up rubbish, sometimes in my high heels. I see very few coffee cups. The focus on coffee cups is misguided. I see more plastic bottles on the ground than any other item. A tax should be placed on such bottles. Takeaway boxes are also one of the main causes of litter. They also pose a threat and a hazard to local residents because they attract wildlife. By all means, the Government should put a tax on takeaway boxes. Based on my own experience of looking after the community, these two waste objects should be our main focus.

Granted, some sensible amendments to the Bill have been proposed. An amendment was proposed to introduce a fixed penalty notice in relation to breaches of the waste facility permit. An amendment was also proposed to provide for the establishment of a GDPR-compliant register of households without a waste collection service. I am not opposed to any of these proposed amendments. I recognise the need for proper waste management. However, I urge the Government to explore other measures and to avoid squeezing ordinary people further at a time when a significant percentage of our population is already struggling with energy poverty. I apologise for the fact that I will not be here to hear to the Minister of State's reply, but I will listen attentively to the recording.