Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 June 2023
120. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will engage with an organisation (details supplied) to discuss potential modification of the operation of the deposit return scheme to ensure it does not have the unintended consequence of providing a competitive advantage to large-scale producers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30834/23]
View answerIn November 2021, the Deposit Return Scheme Regulations (S.I. No 599 of 2021) were signed. Under these Regulations, it is the responsibility of producers to establish and operate a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS), to be funded by the following:
• Registration fees set by the approved body,
• Producer fees set by the approved body,
• Unredeemed deposits,
• Revenue derived from sale of returned containers, and
• Any other income sources created by the approved body.
In July 2022, I approved an application from Deposit Return Scheme Ireland CLG (trading as Re-turn) to operate as an approved body under the DRS Regulations. Re-turn is a new, not-for-profit company set up by beverage producers and retailers to meet their obligations under the DRS Regulations. Re-turn is responsible for all operational matters relating to the DRS, including the setting of registration and producer fees.
I am aware of the concerns raised by small producers in relation to DRS. Re-turn are engaging with those producers and are in the process of considering what measures can be put in place to address those concerns.
My officials have been in contact with the representative body referenced in the question and I intend to meet with them as soon as is possible.
