Written answers
Tuesday, 14 May 2024
Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment
Recycling Policy
Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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108. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if his attention has been drawn to the fact that disabled people in rural areas cannot avail of the deposit return scheme as collection machines are not generally available in small retail outlets; and if he would consider introducing a grant to small retailers who cannot afford to purchase a collection machine. [21244/24]
Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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With the advice of the National Disability Authority, Re-turn, the DRS operator, is embarking on an engagement process that will ensure accessibility issues for the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) are addressed meaningfully and in line with best practice.
Supports from Re-Turn are already in place for small businesses. In addition to handling fees payable to all retailers, exemptions from take-back services are available for small businesses along with financial support for the installation of Reverse Vending Machines.
Small businesses may also avail of the Government’s Increased Cost of Business (ICOB) grant, which was announced as part of Budget 2024 and is available to qualifying small and medium enterprises.
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