Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 105: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of people or companies who lobbied him in relation to the course of action he took on chewing gum litter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9481/06]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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On foot of the success of the plastic bag levy, An Agreed Programme for Government contained a commitment to consider the extension of environmental levies to other materials which may be problematic from a waste management or litter perspective. A consultancy study was commissioned to carry out a comprehensive and objective analysis on the application of economic instruments, including environmental levies, on chewing gum, fast food packaging and ATM receipts as a means of minimising the litter problems caused by such items and to make appropriate recommendations. Following a competitive tendering process, the consultancy study was undertaken by McIvor Consulting in association with Patel Tonra Environmental Solutions.

Following detailed analysis and consultations with the relevant stakeholders, the consultants considered a number of options for tackling chewing gum litter. Their report proposed the options of a mandatory 10% levy or a negotiated agreement between the Department and the industry, involving the putting in place of a comprehensive action plan incorporating intensive education and awareness campaigns, and including agreed funding levels with agreed tangible targets and timeframes, aimed at changing consumer behaviour in relation to chewing gum disposal and reducing gum litter.

My predecessor announced a four-week period to allow the public to comment on the consultancy study and report in 2004. The purpose of the consultation process was to obtain the views of relevant stakeholders and other interested parties on the report's recommendations. The deadline for the receipt of comments and submissions under the public consultations phase was 29 October 2004. During this period, 19 submissions relating to chewing gum were received. My Department has to date also received some 50 representations on the matter from interested members of the public. Additionally, in March of last year, I met the US Ambassador at his request. The ambassador relayed the views of the Wrigley Company Ltd., which wished to co-operate in the development of a realistic and practical initiative to tackle chewing gum litter.

My Department undertook a series of meetings with a number of companies in the chewing gum sector represented under the auspices of the Food and Drink Industry Ireland division of IBEC with a view to negotiating an agreement with the sector. I participated directly in the final two meetings that culminated with the negotiated agreement launched recently.