Tommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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499. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the steps he is taking to reduce plastic waste; if his Department has closely liaised with the large grocery retailers in this regard; if single use plastic straws will be banned here by the end of 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23218/18]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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Ireland fully embraces the ambition of the new strategy European Strategy for Plastics and I am committed to going beyond it. Already many of the measures recommended in the Strategy, such as extended producer responsibility schemes, the landfill and plastic bag levies, as well as robust enforcement, are well embedded into Irish resource management.  The national recycling list and recycling ambassadors’ programme are encouraging people to consider unwanted materials as a valued resource rather than a waste.

In relation to plastic packaging, REPAK manages the collection and recycling of 80% of packaging on the market.  Fees paid by their members are based on the amount of packaging the members place on the market and this incentivises them to reduce packaging.  REPAK also employs specialist packaging technologists to optimise packaging design and minimise waste.  

I understand that REPAK is working particularly closely with the large grocery retailers on a number of proposals aimed at improving their approach to packaging.  In addition, I will engage again with the large grocery retailers looking for their commitment to reduce non-recyclable plastic packaging in their stores. 

I have also welcomed new proposals by the European Commission to tackle plastic waste, in particular plastic single use items, and I have urged both the European Parliament and the Council of Ministers to progress these proposals as soon as possible.