Mr. Paul McDonald:

A deposit return scheme, DRS, is available, but it has never been taken up. The model that is used successfully by IFFPG is the EPR model. As the Deputy is aware, we are considering DRS schemes in other waste streams, specifically plastic bottles and so on.

The model that is operating in Ireland is the EPR scheme, through the system operator, the IFFPG. All of the system operators that operate these EPR schemes, including Repak, companies that operate end-of-life vehicle schemes, WEEE Ireland and others, must go through a rigorous process for approval approximately every five years. The standard is quite high. These companies are obviously run on a not-for-profit basis. We like to think the bar is set quite high. The approval is not just done on the nod. Anyone who is looking to operate as a system operator has a relatively onerous list of things they have to show us they are capable of performing.