Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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5. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he has set a deadline for the establishment of the approved body to run the deposit return scheme for beverage bottles and cans; the estimated total cost of the scheme; the proposed deposit to be charged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55726/22]

Ossian Smyth (Dún Laoghaire, Green Party)
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On 1st July 2022, I granted approval to Deposit Return Scheme Ireland CLG (DRSI) as the approved body to operate a deposit return scheme (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.

DRS is a producer-led scheme and will operate at no cost to the Exchequer. As set out in the DRS Regulations (SI No. 599 of 2021), the DRS will be funded through producer fees, income from sale of material collected and unredeemed deposits.

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.`