evidence: DAERA publish annual statistics relating to the carrier bag levy. In its most recent report for 2018/19, it provides a table of data (see Figure 1 in the report) that shows the total number of carrier bags dispensed in Northern Ireland, per annum, with the cumulative difference from the baseline figure in 2012. This data is summarised in the following graphic: [...] The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) details the number of carrier bags dispensed each financial year under the carrier bag levy in Northern Ireland in an annual report since its introduction in 2013. [...] In its manifesto for the 2019 General Election, the SDLP claimed the introduction of the (plastic) carrier bag levy in 2013 removed 1.2 billion bags from Northern Ireland and raised almost £30 million for environmental projects.