Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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115. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the details and dates of the introduction of the single use plastics directive; if existing stocks of plastic utensils purchased before 3 July 2021 can be used by outlets until that existing stock has depleted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35960/21]

Ossian Smyth (Dún Laoghaire, Green Party)
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The European Union (Single Use Plastics) Regulations 2021 were recently signed. From 3 July this year, single use plastic cutlery, plates, straws, balloon and cotton bud sticks, expanded polystyrene cups and food containers and all products containing oxo-degradable plastic cannot be placed on the market in Ireland. This also applies to wet wipes, sanitary towel, tobacco products and cups that do not contain the relevant marking stipulated in Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/2151 of 17 December 2020.

While stocks of these products may not be placed on the market from 3 July, stocks which have been purchased under contract and are in the country awaiting distribution in advance of this date, may be depleted.