SDLP accuses retailers of avoiding plastic bag tax

The SDLP has claimed that some Irish retailers are importing plastic bags into the Republic and charging the 15 cent tax without returning it to the Irish Exchequer.

Party spokesman John Dallat called for an all-Ireland waste management policy to tackle the problem and said the Irish and British governments must realise that differing policies on both sides of the border create opportunities for people to take advantage.