The plastic bag levy is due to increase by at least 4 cent by the end of the summer.
It was confirmed today that the levy, which has successfully reduced the level of plastic bag usage since its introduction in 2002, is set to be increased to the maximum amount under current legislation.
The plastic bag levy is set to increase by 4c.
Minister for the Environment Dick Roche has been considering the measure for some time and he said today he was considering increasing it beyond the maximum allowable figure.
"I'm prepared to look at an even higher levy in the 20s," Mr Roche told the Irish Independent.
He said while the levy has been "hugely successful", some retailer were still not applying the levy. He warned them today that they would be prosecuted if they continued with the practice.
A Department spokeswoman said officials had already started work on applying the increase and Mr Roche was hopeful it would be in place by the end of the summer.