201. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the number of representations received by the Department in the past three years from independent technology providers seeking access to deposit return scheme infrastructure; and the manner in which each was responded to. [63318/26]

202. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the objective criteria that govern access by independent third party technology providers to the technical infrastructure operated under the deposit return scheme; whether those criteria are published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63317/26]

203. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the specific regulatory and oversight powers available to the Minister in respect of the approved operator of the deposit return scheme; and whether any such power has been exercised in relation to third party access to the scheme's infrastructure. [63319/26]

204. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment whether the approved operator of the deposit return scheme has developed, or is developing, its own digital, charitable or payment-related functionality; and the safeguards in place to ensure that the operator's position cannot be used to delay or exclude independent providers of complementary services. [63320/26]

205. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment whether responsibility for third party access to deposit return scheme infrastructure is regarded by the Department as a regulatory matter within the Minister's oversight or as an operational matter for the approved operator; and the basis for that position. [63321/26]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 201, 202, 203, 204 and 205 together.

The regulatory framework governing the Deposit Return Scheme is set out in the Separate Collection (Deposit Return Scheme) Regulations 2014 (S.I. No. 33 of 2024). These regulations state that producers shall establish a Deposit Return Scheme to fulfil their obligations under the Single Use Plastics Directive (Directive (EU) 2019/904/EC) in respect of in-scope products.

Re-turn is the producer-led and owned, not-for-profit company established by beverage producers to meet these obligations. It operates in accordance with a Ministerial approval which was granted in July 2022. The company is also subject to all applicable laws relating to company and competition law. Neither the DRS regulations nor Re-turn’s approval addresses third party access to DRS infrastructure. Third party access to scheme infrastructure is an operational matter for Re-turn.

Re-turn is responsible for all operational matters relating to the Deposit Return Scheme, including the specification of infrastructure such as Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs) and the associated IT network. It is important to note that practically all RVMs are owned by individual retailers who can customise services subject to compliance with common specifications set by Re-turn. For instance, some retailers are now offering consumers the option of digital payments back to loyalty cards.

While I have no function in day-to-day business operations, officials from the Department monitor performance of the scheme closely and meet with Re-turn monthly to review progress. Quarterly meetings are held to discuss strategic priorities and governance matters.

Regarding the development of digital, charity or payment related functionality, Re-turn has delivered two initiatives designed to facilitate consumers who wish to divert their deposit to charitable causes.

The first is the ‘Return for Children’ partnership with six of Ireland’s largest children’s charities. Throughout the launch of that initiative, Re-turn worked with key stakeholders including retailers, trade associations, Sport Ireland and the Charities Regulator to ensure the feature met the necessary requirements and standards. Consumers returning in-scope containers may opt to donate their refund to this cause rather than claiming it for themselves. I am advised that, to date, this initiative has raised over €547,000 for these children's charities.

The second is an optional facility for retailers to allow consumers donate their deposit refunds to local charities, sports associations or community initiatives selected by the retailer. Re-turn’s role is to support and enable the functionality, but participation is entirely optional, and the responsibility for implementing and managing this feature, including charity selection and fund oversight, rests with each retailer and their RVM supplier. Re-turn provides guidance materials and conducts periodic audits to ensure good governance, but does not have an involvement in which charities are selected or how donations are administered.

I also understand that Re-turn is examining the expansion of digital payment solutions more generally and how it can be facilitated best within the return-to-retail operating model. As a start, the company is progressing a digital payment solution suited to potential return points at local authority civic amenity sites or remote locations such as the islands.

Since January 2026, my Department has received 18 items of correspondence directly from an independent technology provider seeking access to DRS infrastructure. Two further items from the same correspondent were forwarded from government colleagues for direct reply. No other correspondence of this nature was received prior to 2026. The correspondence has been dealt with through my Department’s e-Correspondence system, and replies to the matters raised have issued by email.