Deputy Noonan said the Government's record on the environment has been less than satisfactory, to put it mildly. Does the Taoiseach accept his record in that regard has been appalling, and that he has an old-fashioned attitude towards the environment? Does he accept his manifesto, which he mentioned, was high on aspirations which have not been delivered? I draw his attention to the levy on plastic bags. That would have been a very small gesture, but it has not been delivered. On 25 October last, the Taoiseach stated, "As I told the Deputy previously—

Please ask questions.

Does the Taoiseach accept he said to me this could be done by regulation or through the Finance Bill and does not require separate legislation? Why did the Taoiseach say that when he is now drafting separate legislation? The Taoiseach is deliberately dragging his feet on this matter because he does not want people to pay for plastic bags coming up to an election. That is his mindset.

The Deputy should not attempt to answer the question he is asking.

I am trying to look into the Taoiseach's mind, which is difficult at times.

It might provide a more informed answer than the one we will get.

I think I have an insight on this one. Why has the Taoiseach not delivered on this small point?

The Minister, Deputy Dempsey, is too busy doing other things.

Deputy Gormley got his insight wrong on this one. I admit I said it would be included the Finance Bill if there was not another suitable legislative measure. It will be passed in the Waste Management Bill which will be before the House shortly. If there had been no suitable Bill, it would have been included the Finance Bill. I agree with Deputy Gormley on the plastic bags issue.