Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

484. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the extent to which he plans to reduce the use of plastic and its replacement with a biodegradable product; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49400/17]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Our use of plastic has increased exponentially in recent decades. Plastics feature across a wide range of applications and products, such as packaging, construction, electrics and electronics, agriculture, medical and health.  The last waste characterisation study carried out by the EPA showed that 12.4% of our household waste, by weight, was plastic.

The effects of plastic pollution, in particular, on the marine environment has been well publicised. My colleague, the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government is responsible for marine environmental policy, including marine litter policy in the first instance.  Both he and I recognise that the waste we create on land, and certain plastic waste items, in particular, can represent significant marine litter problems. Accordingly we are working together to identify measures to address this with our European partners.   

The European Commission circular economy action plan has identified plastics as one of five priority areas for action. On packaging waste, the Commission proposed new reuse and recycling targets. The Commission also pledged to adopt, by the end of 2017, a 'strategy on plastics in the circular economy, addressing issues such as recyclability, biodegradability, the presence of hazardous substances of concern in certain plastics, and marine litter'.

In terms of plastic packaging at a national level, Repak, the producer responsibility scheme tasked with managing packing in Ireland, has been working with its members (including all the major retailers)  to identify ways to reduce or optimise packaging.  Under the EU Packaging Directive, Member States cannot impede the placing on the market of packaging which is fit for purpose. Notwithstanding this, I am working with the Regional Waste Management Offices to roll out a number of initiatives to support household waste recycling, including the recycling of plastics, which will ensure that end users are informed and empowered to choose the most environmentally friendly form of packaging.