A Waterford Senator says government moves to ban the sale of cosmetic micro-beads haven't come soon enough.

The government recently published the outline of legislation to ban micro-beads from household products including toothpaste and face scrubs.

Under the legislation Ireland would also be the first EU country to outlaw micro-beads in household detergents and abrasive cleaning products.

Green Party Senator Grace O'Sullivan says she welcomes the progress, but says it should have happened sooner.

She says micro-plastics can be highly toxic.

Senator O'Sullivan says the Irish government needs to fulfill it's responsibilities when it comes to environmental action.