Deposit Return Scheme Ireland CLG (Re-turn)

Lobbying Organisation Deposit Return Scheme Ireland CLG

Date published 14 Sep, 2023

Relevant Matter Legislation

Public Policy Area Environment

Period 1 May, 2023 to 31 Aug, 2023

Specific Details Amendments for the S.I. No. 599/2021 - Separate Collection (Deposit Return Scheme) Regulations 2021

Intended results The intended outcome was to amend the existing SI to incorporate the deposit amount determined by the Minister, as well as to add additional requirements and obligations to optimize the administration of the scheme.

Name of person primarily responsible for lobbying on this activity Séamus Clancy

Did any Designated Public Official(DPO) or former Designated Public Official(DPO) carry out lobbying activities on your behalf in relation to this return? You must include yourself, and answer Yes, if you are a current DPO or a DPO at any time in the past. (What is a Designated Public Official?) No

Did you manage or direct a grassroots campaign? No

Was this lobbying done on behalf of a client? No

Lobbying activity

The following activities occurred for this specific Subject Matter Area.

Meeting (1)

On 17 August, meeting with Philip Nugent Assistant Secretary, Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, in Re-turn Offices. The purpose of the meeting was to update DECC on the progress of Re-turn on the deposit and return project. In attendance from Re-turn: Tony Keohane, Séamus Clancy and Tony O’ Sullivan.

Meeting (1)

On 23 August, meeting with Philip Nugent Assistant Secretary, Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, Revenue representatives, and Department of Finance representatives. Hybrid in Re-turn Offices and via Microsoft Teams. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the VAT-related issues. In attendance from Re-turn: Séamus Clancy and David Sharp.

Meeting (1)

On 28 August, meeting with Ossian Smyth Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications with special responsibility for Communications and Circular Economy. It took place in Government Buildings. The purpose was to give the Minister a progress report on the roll out and preparations for deposit and return. The situation regarding the imposition of VAT on unredeemed deposits was also discussed. In attendance from Re-turn: Seamus Clancy and Tony O’ Sullivan.

Designated public officials lobbied

The following DPOs were lobbied during this return period on this specific Subject Matter Area. These DPOs were involved in at least one of the Lobbying Activities listed above, but not necessarily all of them. As returns are specific to a Subject Matter Area the above Lobbying Activities may be associated with multiple returns.

Philip Nugent Assistant Secretary (Department of Environment, Climate and Communications)

Ossian Smyth TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)