Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 17 November 2022
136. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the progress that has been made in setting up structures for a deposit return scheme; when is it expected to commence; and the value of the deposit expected of consumers. [57179/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe framework for the establishment of a deposit return scheme (DRS) is set out in DRS Regulations (S.I. No. 599 of 2021) signed in November 2021. On 1st July 2022, I granted approval to Deposit Return Scheme Ireland CLG (DRSI trading as Re-turn) as the approved body to operate a DRS in Ireland. This approval was a vital foundational element for the project, giving DRSI the legal standing to establish a DRS and commence formal engagement with producers, retailers and other operators.Ireland's national DRS will be launched later this month when the scheme will open for registrations from producers and retailers. This is a major project involving the development of complex IT, infrastructure and communication systems, which will be delivered by DRSI over the course of 2023. The planned go-live date for consumers is February 2024. Under the DRS regulations, DRSI are required to submit their advice to me on the appropriate level of deposit and the type of deposit. I expect to receive that advice soon.
