97. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he will provide an update on the number of retailers and producers currently operating the deposit return scheme; the challenges faced in the introduction of the scheme; the steps being taken to overcome them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59689/26]

Ireland's national Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) was launched on 1 February 2024 and has proven to be the most significant consumer behaviour initiative since the introduction of the plastic bag levy.

The EU has set Ireland a target of collecting 90% of plastic beverage bottles and aluminium cans for recycling by 2029. Prior to the introduction of DRS, Ireland recycled approximately 49% of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) drinks containers through kerbside mixed dry recycling collections. This figure has since then risen to more then 76% of such containers being collected through the scheme, while an estimated further 15% continue to be returned through kerbside collections.

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. The most recent available figures from Re-turn state that the scheme currently comprises 342 producers, 7,401 retailers and more than 13,541 registered products. There are also over 3,845 retail return points nationwide. Supports are available for small businesses, including exemptions, reduced or waived fees, and financial assistance for the installation of reverse vending machines (RVMs).

Notwithstanding the overall success of the scheme, some issues arose at the time of its introduction including accessibility for consumers living with a disability. In response, Re-turn launched a consultation process to review the accessibility of the deposit return scheme for people with disabilities and mobility issues.

Based on the resulting report, Re-turn is developing solutions that are co-designed with people with disabilities, alongside retailers, RVM suppliers and other stakeholders. This work is focused on how accessibility can be improved through clearer and more accessible DRS information, better usability of RVMs, and recently updated retailer accessibility guidelines. Officials of the Department participate in Re-turn’s Accessibility Advisory Group and continue to monitor progress.

Re-turn has also responded to the issue of accessibility in remote locations such as our offshore islands. RVMs have been installed in community hubs rather than at retail outlets at Arranmore Island (Co. Donegal) and Cape Clear Island (Co. Cork) as part of a pilot scheme which is still underway.