192. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment whether his Department has assessed the adequacy of deposit return scheme return infrastructure at airports, railway stations, bus stations and other major transport hubs; and whether he will publish the findings of any such assessment and identify any additional infrastructure required. [62995/26]

194. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment whether the deposit return scheme framework requires Re-Turn to provide return and refund arrangements at airports and other high transit locations where consumers may have limited opportunity to redeem deposits before departure; and if not, whether he will consider introducing such a requirement. [62992/26]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 192 and 194 together.

The Deposit Return Scheme was established to run primarily on a return-to-retail model, where consumers bring empty containers back to a retailer to recoup their deposit. The Separate Collection (Deposit Return Scheme) Regulations 2024 provides the regulatory framework for the scheme and in particular details the roles and responsibilities of the scheme operator, Re-turn, as well as producers and retailers of in-scope beverage containers.

Re-turn is the producer-led and owned, not-for-profit company established by beverage producers to meet their obligations under the Separate Collection (Deposit Return Scheme) Regulations and is responsible for all operational matters relating to the Deposit Return Scheme, including provision of return points.

I understand that there are currently three Return Points in Dublin Airport where consumers can return their drink containers and get their deposits back. All three are manual return points as opposed to Reverse Vending Machines and all three return points are airside, i.e. beyond the security checkpoints in the airport.

Re-turn has advised that maximising the availability of RVMs across the country is a business priority. The company is engaging with the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) on improving the return experience for airport uses. Working with Re-turn, DAA has introduced four RVMs across Cork Airport on a trial basis (two landside, two airside). Re-turn has advised they are keen to support the introduction of RVM technology at Dublin airport and at other transport hubs. They are available to engage with other transport operators, local authorities and other stakeholders in practical ways to improve the scheme.