Ossian Smyth (Dún Laoghaire, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

Formal monitoring and reporting arrangements are in place to ensure that regular reports, both financial and performance, are received from Re-Turn, the scheme operator for Ireland's Deposit Return Scheme, DRS.

DRS is a national infrastructure project which operates primarily on a return-to-retail model. Under the DRS regulations, retailers are required to charge customers a deposit for each bottle sold, to take back empty containers, unless exempt, and to refund the deposit to customers. Retailers are required to ensure that the take-back facility they provide on their premises is accessible for anyone wishing to return empty containers. Inclusivity for all consumers is essential for a successful deposit return scheme. Individuals who have difficulties in returning bottles and cans to their local retailer should contact Re-Turn directly and it will work with the local retail community to find a solution that works for all involved.

Re-Turn is committed to ensuring that all locations are accessible to consumers and is working closely with retailers to embed best practice, ensuring that nationally the system is optimised in terms of convenience and accessibility for all. Re-Turn, the DRS operator, continues to engage widely with all stakeholders and has committed to review accessibility practices considering the needs of consumers. This review includes working with the National Disability Authority, which is supporting Re-Turn in the establishment of a consultative group to ensure that the concerns of all parties, in particular those who have difficulties accessing the DRS and in returning bottles and cans, are heard and addressed. I understand that Re-Turn intends to convene a meeting of this forum in the second half of March and has invited a number of disability organisations to assist in a review of the scheme’s infrastructure. Both the Department and Re-Turn will monitor the issue closely as the scheme builds momentum in the coming months.

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