Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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711. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if there are impediments to increasing the plastic bag levy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7218/20]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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In November 2019, I set out potential changes to the plastic bag levy in a consultation paper relating to new environmental levy proposals. A copy of this paper is available at www.dccae.gov.ie/en-ie/environment/consultations/Pages/Public-Consultation-on-the-Proposed-Introduction-of-new-Environmental-Levies.aspx.

As set out in that consultation, it is proposed to increase the plastic bag levy from the current rate of 22 cent to 25 cent, and to remove the exemption from the plastic bag levy currently enjoyed by medium weight plastic bags which are sold for 70 cent or more. True 'bag for life' bags will remain exempt.

The arrangements to amend the rate of the levy are set out in Section 72(3) of the Waste Management Act, 1996, as amended. In line with these arrangements, such amendments may be made by Statutory Instrument, within defined parameters including reference to the Consumer Price Index. Currently, the maximum increase possible within these parameters is in the order of 3 cent.

Work is currently on-going on the further development of these proposals, including having regard to the submissions received via the consultation process.