James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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204. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will include plastic rings in future legislation examining the pollution of plastics here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18372/18]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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In January, the European Commission published the European Strategy for Plastics in the Circular Economy. The strategy focuses on plastic production and use. It sets a goal of ensuring all plastic packaging will be recyclable by 2030.

Recently, I wrote to the European Commissioner with responsibility for the environment to welcome the plastics strategy. I assured him Ireland fully embraced the ambitions of the new strategy. I asked the Commission to focus, in particular, on the most difficult non-recyclable plastics such as soft wrapping, film and single use items, such as plastic packaging rings. I am determined to make sure these products, if they come onto the market here or elsewhere in Europe will be biodegradable or capable of recycling.

The EU Commission will be proposing EU-wide action to tackle such items within the next month. I believe that acting collectively with our European colleagues will achieve a greater environmental benefit.