Barry Ward (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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171. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if he will set out the provisions he intends to promote to facilitate the circular economy and the reuse and repair of household items; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41177/25]

Barry Ward (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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172. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the steps he will take to reduce the cost of rented household appliances to promote the circular economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41179/25]

Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 171 and 172 together.

The recently adopted Directive promoting the repair of broken or defective goods, also known as the Right-to-Repair Directive, will make it easier for consumers to seek repair instead of replacement and repair services will become more accessible, transparent, and attractive. It gives manufacturers the incentive required to make products that last longer and can be repaired, reused, and recycled.

It complements other recent EU legislation to promote sustainable consumption, such as the Eco-design for Sustainable Products Regulation which will promote the production of repairable products and the directive on empowering consumers for the green transition which will enable consumers to make better-informed purchasing decisions at the point of sale.

These important developments will be leveraged to support the development of a more vibrant repair and reuse ecosystem in Ireland. The National Reuse and Repair Network established by the EPA plays a key role in bringing together public bodies and national organisations to facilitate knowledge sharing and engagement to support and scale reuse and repair in Ireland.

Enterprise Ireland supports Irish businesses in adopting circular economy practices that extend product lifecycles and reduce waste. While not explicitly focused on rental models, its guidance encourages innovation in business models that improve resource efficiency and customer value. By exploring leasing or rental approaches, SMEs can align with national sustainability goals and enhance competitiveness in evolving markets.

The forthcoming second Whole of Government Circular Economy Strategy will make the business case for the circular economy setting a holistic vision, supporting practices such as eco-design, repair, reuse and remanufacturing. It will provide for incentives that will create a level playing field for circular economy actors, practices and products, and leverage public procurement to create a market for circular products and practices.

Product re-use and repair are the building blocks of a circular economy, which can contribute to climate change mitigation by preventing resource depletion, diverting products and materials from landfills and incineration and reducing energy demand.