Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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207. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the further steps he will take to reduce single use plastics following the proposed ban on certain plastics in July; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25909/21]

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 details our commitment to lead EU efforts in this area through working towards an eventual ban on disposable coffee cups and cold drinks cups and to set up new Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes for other plastic waste streams covered by the Single Use Plastics Directive including tobacco products, balloons, wet wipes and fishing gear.