Written answers
Wednesday, 28 June 2023
Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment
Recycling Policy
Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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28. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he has considered a submission from microbrewers which identifies the restrictions on innovation and on exporting which features of the proposed charges under the deposit return scheme will create, through the obligation to register and pay registration fees on new products even if it is a very short product run, and through the differential approach to charging where some of the product is exported; and if he can consider modifications which would avoid such distortions. [31556/23]
Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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In November 2021, the Deposit Return Scheme Regulations (S.I. No 599 of 2021) were signed. Under these Regulations, it is the responsibility of producers to establish and operate a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS), to be funded by the following:
- Registration fees set by the approved body,
- Producer fees set by the approved body,
- Unredeemed deposits,
- Revenue derived from sale of returned containers, and
- Any other income sources created by the approved body.
I am aware of the concerns raised by small producers in relation to DRS, including those highlighted in a submission received from microbrewers. Re-turn are engaging with those producers and are in the process of considering what measures can be put in place to address those concerns.
My officials have been in contact with the microbrewer's representative body and I also intend to meet with them as soon as is possible.
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