I propose to take Questions Nos. 17 to 23, inclusive, together.
On 17 November, I signed the Separate Collection (Deposit Return Scheme) Regulations 2021, providing the legal framework for the deposit return scheme which will become operational across the country in Quarter 3 of 2022.
The Regulations require that the approved body who will operate the scheme,shall achieve separate collection rates for recycling of in-scope bottles in accordance with Directive 2019/904/EC on the reduction of the impact of certain plastics on the environment and also achieve EU recycling targets for in-scope containers, or aluminium or steel beverage containers. By 2025, Ireland must ensure the separate collection of 77% of plastic beverage bottles placed on the market (by weight), rising to 90% by 2029. In the case of aluminium, Ireland currently surpasses the EU recycling target, achieving 54% for 2019 which places Ireland as a frontrunner towards the attainment of EU aluminium packaging recycling targets. The over-riding objective is to ensure that all packaging placed on the Irish market is reusable or recyclable in an economically viable way by 2030 and these measures, contained in our Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy, are set with a view to achieving optimum results in the area of all packaging materials. My officials will engage with the approved body, when appointed, to ensure the appropriate reporting mechanisms are put in place for the scheme, when introduced.
In working towards the introduction of a deposit return scheme, my Department established a sub-group of the Waste Advisory Group with representatives from the beverage producers, retailers, environmental NGOs and the waste sector. Through this cross-sectoral group my officials worked closely with representatives from beverage producers, who will fund and operate the scheme. While beverage producers have noted that the timeframe for introduction of the scheme is ambitious, my Department will continue to work closely with all stakeholders representatives to meet the target date for its introduction.
Members of the DRS sub-group requested more time to consider the deposit, including, inter alia, the level at which it should be set. Following such consideration and subsequent discussion between industry and my officials, I intend to introduce Regulations, prior to the introduction of the Scheme, to establish, among other things, the level of deposit for the materials to be collected.