Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 April 2018
1164. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to introduce a recycling deposit scheme for plastic containers following the example of the UK and EU member states; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15466/18]
View answer1165. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to introduce a deposit return scheme for plastic, drinks and bottle cans similar to the one recently announced in the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15538/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1164 and 1165 together.
In July 2014, the then Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government published a Review of the Producer Responsibility Initiative model in Ireland. As part of this review, a wider examination of issues within the packaging sphere (which included plastic containers) was undertaken and consideration was given to the introduction of a deposit and refund scheme.
The review report did not recommend the introduction of a deposit and refund scheme and concluded that to establish such a scheme was inappropriate, in view of the operation of the existing successful packaging scheme (operated by Repak). It also pointed to current policies concerning household waste collection and the high administrative costs of introducing such a system.
Notwithstanding this, on foot of a Private Members Bill tabled by Deputy Ryan recently, I have asked the Joint Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment to look at the implementation issues, the likely costs and the effectiveness of a proposed deposit and refund scheme in Ireland. I am awaiting the outcome of this before taking any further action.
