A major scientific study released today shows that plastic is ending up not just in the food chain but also inside us, in our guts and other systems.

Is the Deputy referring to the programme for Government?

The European Parliament will tomorrow discuss and debate ambitious plans to cut out waste plastic. I have asked the Taoiseach six times over the past year whether we could have a debate and progress the waste (reduction) Bill introduced by the Green Party almost a year and a half ago. On the "News At One" earlier, I heard the welcome news that the Government will not oppose the motion before the House later regarding the Bill. Without pre-empting the debate, can the Taoiseach confirm that this means the Government will issue the money order we need to have that debate, allowing us to act in the same way as the European Parliament on what scientists are saying we have to do to treat the issue of waste plastic?

The Deputy has asked a simple question.

Will the Taoiseach provide that money order now?

We will be doing four things. We will work with the European institutions to implement a ban and restrictions on single-use plastics. That legislation is being developed at a European level, and we very much support it and want to be part of it. Legislation is going through these Houses to prohibit microbeads. We are also carrying out an examination of the practicalities of imposing a levy on single-use plastics, including plastic coffee cups, that cannot be recycled.

The Minister for Communications, Climate Action and the Environment, Deputy Bruton, wants to look at the deposit protection scheme afresh. He is a new Minister and has been in the Department for only two weeks. The previous view of Government was the scheme as proposed by the Green Party would cost between €80 million and €100 million and only reduce the use of plastics by approximately 2%. Perhaps we are wrong and, therefore, we have decided to examine it afresh on that particular point.

If it makes sense, we will do it.