49. Deputy Josepha Madigan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if it is possible to implement the levy on coffee cups, cigarette packs, plastic vapes and cartons and takeaway soft drink cups, including lids and straws to reduce litter on streets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28488/24]

Legislative powers are in place, through the Circular Economy Act 2022, to implement environmental levies on a range of single use products including single-use cups, single-use containers and other forms of single-use packaging.

Levies are implemented through secondary legislation, with the consent of the Government. My priority is on the introduction of a levy on single-use cups for hot drinks (the Coffee Cup Levy).

My Department has been working with the Revenue Commissioners on designing a new collection model for environmental levies. This will require changes to primary legislation and the relevant Heads of Bill have been approved. Once this legislation is in place, a commencement date will be agreed to allow the appropriate preparations be made by the sector before the levy goes live. I aim to bring this levy into force as soon as is possible.

Further levies will be introduced over time but only after consultation and analysis has been completed and where there is clear evidence that more sustainable reusable alternatives are readily available.