Impact of the ban on plastic straws for people with disabilities

12.12.2019

Question for written answer E-004389/2019
to the Commission
Rule 138
Matt Carthy (GUE/NGL)

The Single-Use Plastics Directive implemented a ban on plastic straws in EU Member States. However, for some people with disabilities, the use of a plastic straw is essential to their everday lives.

While the directive includes an exemption for straws ‘intended and used for special medical purposes’, this definition is not clear, does not recognise the needs of people with disabilities, and gives Member States no guidance on how to implement this exemption.

Can the Commission confirm what data, if any, it has monitored regarding whether the directive has had a negative impact on the quality of life of people with disabilities?

Will the Commission carry out an impact assessment on whether the directive has prevented people with disabilities from using plastic straws?