Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 April 2026
175. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he will provide details of the proposed national pilot repair voucher scheme, including eligibility criteria, estimated cost, projected uptake and the timeframe for rollout by 2027; the way the scheme will be funded through the Circular Economy Fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27552/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra176. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the role the National Reuse and Repair Network will play in designing and delivering the repair voucher scheme; the supports that will be provided to local repair businesses and community enterprises nationwide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27553/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 175 and 176 together.
The National Repair and Reuse Network (NRRN) will play a central role in designing and delivering a pilot repair voucher scheme as committed to in Ireland’s new Whole of Government Circular Economy Strategy.
The purpose of the pilot voucher scheme is to support a shift in conventional consumer roles from purchasers to stewards of products and devices by reducing repair costs, elevating the perceived value of old devices and signalling societal support for repair, thus supporting everyday device care.
The NRRN, established by the Environmental Protection Agency, is key to bringing together public bodies and national organisations to facilitate knowledge sharing and engagement to support and scale reuse and repair in Ireland.
Through consultation with the NRRN, the scope of the pilot national repair voucher scheme is currently being defined to identify the product(s) category/categories to be included along with the geographical reach. Consideration is also being given to repair service criteria, auditing, effectiveness evaluation and funding mechanisms.
The Circular Economy Fund will be leveraged to support the implementation of the new Circular Economy Strategy, including the pilot repair voucher scheme, the introduction of a Circularity Sandbox Programme, increased funding for the Circular Economy Innovation Grants Scheme and the development of regional circular economy infrastructure.
