Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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198. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the progress to date in achieving targets as set out in the waste action plan for a circular economy with particular reference to the reduction of plastic; if targets set in respect of a ban of single use plastics have been met or are on target to be met; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13231/21]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy outlines the measures Ireland is taking under the Single Use Plastics Directive (EU 2019/904) to substantially reduce the amount of single use plastic items we use and to sustainably manage the waste arising from those we do.  The Directive will be transposed by the deadline of 3rd July 2021 and from that date single use plastic cutlery, plates, straws, balloon and cotton bud sticks may not be placed on the Irish market.  This ban will also apply to expanded polystyrene cups and food containers and all products containing oxo-degradable plastic. The Plan also contains our commitment to lead EU efforts on dealing with disposable coffee cups through a prohibition on the use of these cups for sit-in purposes, a latte levy and an eventual ban on disposable coffee cups and cold drinks cups and introduce a Deposit and Return Scheme (DRS) for plastic bottles and aluminium cans. I will shortly be publishing the draft regulatory framework for the DRS for public consultation.