Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Thursday, 21 October 2021

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate Action

General Scheme of the Circular Economy Bill 2021: Discussion (Resumed)

Photo of Pauline O'ReillyPauline O'Reilly (Green Party)
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That is very helpful.

The importance of regulation to ensure a level playing field is key to whether this will be a success or failure. Companies have acted early in terms of energy. Even though there are no regulations, some companies do it well and become embedded in communities, showing this approach has value. Unless there is regulation, though, they will pay a higher cost. Regulation is key to getting the circular economy right.

A number of the more specific points I am interested in have to do with tax generally, VAT specifically, and reselling. There is a point for every company where it costs more to repurpose a machine than to send it to the dump. It is the same for me in my house. It costs me more to put ten buttons on an outfit than to dump it and buy another outfit. This should not be a lifestyle choice for individuals or companies. Instead, we as a Government should provide a means of making repurposing more viable financially than dumping it. Part of this has to do with tax, insurance and the likes. If Dr. Brennan has specifics to offer in this regard, it would be helpful.