To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs whether he plans to introduce a ban on single use plastics.

In the New Decade, New Approach deal, the Executive is tasked with bringing forward actions to address climate change including creating a plan to eliminate plastic pollution.

An Executive paper will be tabled shortly proposing an action plan to eliminate unnecessary single-use plastics in the government estate. If agreed by the Executive, the plan will be phased in over the following 12 months to enable the necessary changes to purchasing contracts with suppliers to be made.

With other UK administrations having introduced or consulting on introducing legislative measures on single-use plastics, I will review with my officials whether it would be appropriate to introduce similar measures for Northern Ireland.

On a more local front, my Department has been supporting the local charities Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful and Sustainable NI in the delivery of a multi-year behaviour change and education project. The ‘Tackling Plastics’ project is working with schools, the general public, local councils, businesses and the public sector to eliminate problem plastics. While legislating to ban or restrict the availability of single use plastic has an important role, changing mind-sets and lifestyles away from single use and thoughtless disposal is equally, if not more important.

I propose to launch a consultation on a review of the Carrier Bag Levy in early 2021 but at a broader level across the UK there are important legislative measures being introduced that will have a significant impact on plastic use. I am working closely with Ministerial colleagues across the UK to introduce legislation to promote a Circular Economy Package which will help to retain the value of plastic resources within the economy and out of the environment. Legislation on a Deposit Return Scheme and Extended Producer Responsibility are also being considered, both of which will help to increase plastic recycling and this would be supported

by a HM Treasury Plastic packaging tax, specifically designed to incentivise the demand for recycled plastic.

I trust this provides reassurance that I am already addressing issues with single-use plastics and that I continue to keep the situation under review.