claim: There are 1.2 billion fewer carrier bags distributed in Northern Ireland since the introduction of the carrier bag levy in 2012.
evidence: Statistics published today show that 199 million fewer carrier bags are in circulation in Northern Ireland today than when the levy was introduced in April 2013. Miss McIlveen said: "It is encouraging that so many carrier bags have been taken out of circulation since the introduction of the levy. The people of Northern Ireland have embraced the reuse and recycling of shopping bags. This significantly reduces the amount of both plastic and paper going to landfill. [...] Carrier Bag Levy Team,