5. Mr Kelly asked the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs when the single-use plastics directive will be transposed into domestic law. (AQO 755/22-27)

I am committed to taking action to restrict the consumption of a range of single-use plastic products where sustainable alternatives are easily available and affordable. This includes transposing the single-use plastics directive. The primary objective of the single-use plastics directive is to protect our environment. Single-use plastic products are a wasteful use of resources, being used only once before being discarded and impacting on our marine and natural environment. The introduction of these regulations will reduce the volume and impact of plastic products on our environment.

Officials are working to progress legislation that will introduce restrictions on the most commonly littered single-use plastic items, such as straws and cutlery. Single-use drinks containers must have a lid that remains attached, and other products containing plastic, such as sanitary and tobacco products, should have clear labelling of appropriate disposal. My officials will also progress a plan to reduce the consumption of single-use cups and food containers.

My Department is also taking a wide range of further actions to tackle the scourge of plastic pollution, including working to bring forward regulations to ban the sale and supply of single-use vapes and wet wipes containing plastic.

Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire as ucht a fhreagra.

[Translation: I thank the Minister for the very comprehensive answer.]

He mentioned legislation. Will that be primary legislation from Westminster, or is it secondary legislation?

It is secondary legislation.

Does the Minister intend to increase or introduce additional levies to target single-use plastics?

My Department introduced new carrier bag legislation in April 2022, which increased the carrier bag levy charge from 5p to 25p and extended the scope to include all new carrier bags with a retail price of £5 or less. The primary objective remains to protect our environment by influencing consumer behaviour and promoting a significant reduction in the use of single-use plastic items. I will consider all options to find the most suitable way to help reduce the impact of single-use plastic items on our environment.

I welcome the fact that this will be transposed, hopefully without much delay, into local law. On a related subject, has the Minister any plans to increase penalties for dog fouling? Particularly post-COVID, that has been an increased subject of interest in many local authorities.

It is a bit of a pivot from single-use plastics

[Laughter]

but it is an important issue. One of the main issues for which Harvey Milk got elected as the first openly gay parliamentarian in America was dog fouling. All politics is local. I am happy to consider the issue if the Member writes to me. I have no immediate plans for it, but if the Member articulates a strong case, I am prepared to give it a strong hearing.