Unbelievable, but true. Shoppers in the Republic of Ireland are to be charged the equivalent of 9p for every plastic shopping bag they use. The new measures have been put in place by the Government to reduce plastic waste and encourage shoppers to re-use plastic bags.
With, on average, 1 billion plastic shopping bags used each year, the 9p per bag could soon turn into millions for the Government. However, the proceeds of this exercise will be put to good use - towards schemes that help improve the Irish environment.
Will Gordon Brown have the same idea in his budget on April 17th?
Our budget report will be here on the 18th.