Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 September 2025
141. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he will report on the deposit return scheme; if he is aware of the €66.7 million in unclaimed deposits; if he is aware of the salaries of the CEO and directors; to report on any meeting he has had with Re-turn since he took up office and since its annual report was published in July 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49107/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) was introduced on 1 February 2024 to encourage more people to recycle plastic bottles and cans and to deliver on our ambitious EU targets for the recycling of those products.
Re-turn always encourages consumers to redeem their deposits, and it is important that the public is aware that Re-turn retains an open-ended liability to refund deposits to consumers, regardless of when or where the product was purchased.
On 25 July 2025, Re-turn published its annual report for 2024 and a link to the report can be found here: re-turn.ie/re-turn-2024-annual-report/. In the annual report, Re-turn provides comprehensive information relating to the scheme's performance in its first year of operation. It also outlines the income received from unredeemed deposits in 2024. While confirmed deposit figures for 2025 are not yet available from the scheme, as the return rate improves, the rate of unredeemed deposits reduces.
Re-turn is responsible for all operational and funding matters relating to the DRS, including staffing of the company. Re-turn is not required to declare individual CEO or Directors salaries directly to the Department; however, they must publish overall remuneration and benefit costs relating to the Board and Chief Executive/General Manager in the annual report. Re-turn's annual report for 2024 includes information relating to director and employee costs.
As Minister of State with special responsibility for the Circular Economy at the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment, I have pursued active engagement with a broad range of stakeholders across my portfolio since taking office. On 26 March 2025, 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 highlighted the emerging potential for a first bottle-to-bottle recycling plant on the island.
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.
