Pa Daly (Kerry, Sinn Fein)
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140. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government to report on the engagements he has had with Re-turn since the publication of its annual report; if he has discussed unclaimed deposits; if the €1.1 million compensation pack of five executives was discussed; his views on whether the CEO’s salary should be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60287/25]

Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Re-turn is responsible for all operational and funding matters relating to DRS and while I have no function in the day-to-day business operations, officials from the Department monitor performance of the scheme closely and meet with Re-turn monthly to review progress on the scheme and to consider statistical updates. In addition, quarterly meetings are held to discuss strategic priorities and governance matters.

Regulation 7 of the DRS Regulations provides for a review of Re-turn's approval three years after the grant of approval and every third year thereafter. Re-turn's Approval was granted in July 2022 which means the first approval review was initiated this year and is currently being considered. This forms part of an ongoing dialogue with the Minister regarding Re-turn operations and achievement of our mandatory recycling targets within the context of the scheme approval.

In March, prior to the launch of the annual report in July, I met with Re-turn's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. At this meeting, the company gave me an overview of Re-turn’s first 12 months in operation. The company described the nature and extent of its operations across the country and described the emerging potential for a first PET recycling plant in Ireland.

I understand that Minister O'Brien also met with the CEO of Re-turn on 23 May, when a general discussion took place regarding the Scheme's progress to date and future development plans.

I have not met with Re-turn since this time, however I have received a request from Re-turn for a meeting which will be facilitated in the coming weeks.

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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142. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the current balance of the circular economy fund, and the proposals his Department is bringing forward to use that fund to boost levels of recycling; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60473/25]

Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Currently, there is a balance of €7m in the Circular Economy Fund which will form part of the Fund’s opening balance for 2026. The balance in the Fund reflects higher than anticipated income, arising from recent regulatory changes that saw the phasing out of levy exemptions for the largest waste stream in Ireland – construction and demolition waste. These additional resources will strengthen our capacity to invest in measures that promote waste prevention, reuse and recycling, all of which are critical to meeting Ireland’s EU recycling and recovery targets.

The Circular Economy Fund operates on an annual basis, with allocations made within each financial year and expiring on 31 December. The allocations announced earlier this year remain in place, and recipients have until year end to drawdown their funding. This approach ensures that the Fund aligns fully with the Exchequer’s annual budgeting cycle and public financial procedures. Unused allocations do not carry over, which allows the Fund to remain agile, ensuring that resources can be directed to meet emerging demands and opportunities as they arise.

The Circular Economy Fund continues to play an important role in supporting projects that drive behavioural change, build capacity in the circular economy and foster innovation in waste reduction and resource efficiency as provided for under section 8(9) of the Circular Economy and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2022.

The strategic direction of the Fund going forward will be informed by several key policy developments – notably the forthcoming Second Whole of Government Circular Economy Strategy and the Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy which will be updated in 2026.