The Green Party has called on the government to prioritise a ban on microbeads.

The party made the call after the publication of an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) report that shows a number of potential impacts for the environment, wildlife, and humans.

A bill introduced in the Seanad by Green Party Senator Grace O'Sullivan, designed to ban microbeads and monitor microplastics was defeated by the Government and Fianna Fáil earlier this year.

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Green Party Senator Grace O'Sullivan said: "This very timely report has shown our fears about the level of plastic pollution in our seas are well founded. Today is World Oceans Day, and we're yet again seeing the massive damage we are doing to these crucial habitats. I will continue the fight with my Green Party colleagues to ensure the government takes strong action to tackle plastic waste, and to support a truly 'circular economy' at the European and global level. We need to protect human health, as well as the health of our seas and oceans, which Ireland in particular relies on for so much."

(CD/MH)