Seán Kenny (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 341: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the amount of revenue that would be generated if a 2 cent levy was placed on a packet of chewing gum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36192/11]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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The value of the chewing gum market in Ireland is estimated at approximately €40 million per annum. Therefore, a levy of 2 cent per packet, assuming an average price of 50 cent per packet of chewing gum, would raise approximately €1.6 million per annum.

However, such a levy would not directly address the root cause of the associated litter problem, which is the incorrect disposal of chewing gum. There would also be substantial administrative costs involved, apart from any potential legal challenges which might arise. Furthermore the levy would have to be paid by all consumers of chewing gum, not simply those who dispose of their gum incorrectly, thus punishing all for the behaviour of a few.

It is for these reasons that I recently announced the renewal of the negotiated agreement between my Department and the Chewing Gum Industry for a further three years. The new agreement aims to build on the success of public awareness campaigns and education programmes to date and represents a €9.6 million commitment by the industry over the period. The renewed programme contains several important new elements aimed at reinvigorating and enhancing previous campaigns including:

· responsible gum disposal messaging on all television advertising in Ireland,

· responsible gum disposal messaging on chewing gum packaging, and

· new online and educational programmes targeted at younger consumers.

I am confident that the new agreement, coupled with the substantial increase in funding, represents a genuine commitment by industry to finding a solution to improper gum disposal.