We use Google Analytics to see which pages are read and how the site is used, so we know what to improve. This only runs if you accept. See our privacy notice for details.

Seanad
‹ Order of Business

Permanent TSB and plastic waste

Summary

Senator Noone condemned Permanent TSB’s mortgage sale and then proposed reducing plastic bottle waste for environmental and health reasons.

I agree with those who spoke about Permanent TSB. It is a disgraceful way to proceed as far as I am concerned. I do not know how much control the Minister has over what it can do. That is the problem, is it not?

Comment on this

He is a shareholder.

Comment on this

That is, perhaps, the difficulty here. Legally, it is entitled to do as has been outlined unfortunately. It is a disgusting way for the bank to proceed given the context of many of these loans.

I want to make a positive suggestion that could benefit the environment, our pockets and our health. Many European cities have taken serious steps to reduce plastic waste. The amount of plastic used on a daily basis is likely to be one of the biggest problems over the next 100 years. I like to drink sparkling water in order to stop me drinking something less healthy. With all these plastic bottles, I am contributing to it. There are novel ways in which we could try to help the environment. In Ireland, we have a very deep connection with land and our environment. We should try to come up with more innovative ways, one of which might be to have more water fountains in private and public areas around the country so that people could reuse plastic bottles and reduce waste. That would be cheap for people. When one thinks of it, bottled water is ridiculous in a country where we have good water in the taps. We are willing to pay more than in any country I ever visit. We spend more on water than the rest of our EU neighbours. We should have a debate with the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment on innovative ways to deal with this. Small ways all add up so that we all become more aware of the environment and the huge problem we have with plastics.

Comment on this