Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Question 156: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason he decided to take the course of action he took on chewing gum litter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5231/06]

Dan Neville (Limerick West, Fine Gael)
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Question 214: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason he did not impose a levy on chewing gum manufacturers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5262/06]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 156 and 214 together.

Following the success of the plastic bag levy, consultants were appointed by my Department to make recommendations on the possible application of economic instruments, including environmental levies, to other items that are problematic from a litter perspective. With regard to chewing gum, the consultants recommended either a levy on the retail price of chewing gum or a negotiated agreement with the chewing gum industry.

Unlike plastic bags, I have no desire either to discourage people from buying chewing gum or to curtail its use. My objective is to encourage people to dispose of it properly. In this instance a levy would penalise both the industry and the consumer. It would also involve collection costs and, crucially, it would not alter the behaviour of the people who do not dispose of their gum in a responsible manner.

The joint agreement between my Department and the chewing gum industry is a better and more practical option. It provides for a joint initiative to promote a lasting solution to our gum litter problem. The agreement was developed using the partnership approach that has served this country well and it will be implemented using this approach also. This will deliver benefits that could not have been secured by imposition of a levy.