Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Tuesday, 18 June 2024

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate Action

Circular Economy as it relates to Consumer Durables: Discussion

Mr. Barry McGreal:

I think the Deputy is right; that is it. It is about a behavioural issue and nudging companies towards this - not nudging, rather it is legally obliging them to build this in. I have a page of figures in front of me that I will not read out but, essentially, the European Commission conducted a significant regulatory impact analysis in respect of the right to repair directive. I think it received 331 responses to that. It set out its cost-benefit analysis of what that will mean for companies. I am happy to share that document. It suggests there will absolutely be cost for business. Our colleagues in other parts of the Department who are working on the ecodesign regulation are currently working on an impact assessment for that regulation. They are transposing a regulation whereas this is a directive. If it is okay, we can put together a synopsis of that assessment and share it through the Chair.