Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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68. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he is aware of concerns that the deposit return scheme will discriminate against those with disabilities; how he plans to mitigate these concerns; if he will consider requesting that the CCPC conduct an examination of the roll-out of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6709/24]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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Re-turn, the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) operator, has committed to continually review accessibility practices considering the needs of all users. This includes the early convening of a consultative group to ensure that the concerns of all parties, in particular those with accessibility challenges, are heard and addressed. I understand that Re-Turn has invited a number of disability organisations to participate.

Individuals with accessibility issues who may face difficulties returning bottles and cans to their local retailer may contact Re-Turn directly. My Department and Re-Turn will monitor this issue closely as the scheme builds momentum in the coming months.

Prior to launch, both my Department and Re-Turn engaged with the CCPC in relation to some aspects of DRS. The scheme is still in the early days of its roll out and in my view, such an examination of its performance would be premature at this point.