'Serious concerns' over transparency regarding firm set up to run Re-turn scheme

A Social Democrats TD has criticised a lack of transparency and poor corporate governance in relation to the company behind the controversial Re-turn scheme, and described the way the firm was set up as “bizarre”.

The Re-turn scheme is operated by a private company called Deposit Return Scheme Ireland Limited, and most of its directors are representatives of major beverage producers.READ MORE: Re-turn machines rejecting one in five recyclable containers as punters fume over 'stupid tax' A spokesman for Re-turn rejected the criticism, insisting that the scheme is operating "to the highest standards of corporate governance", and adheres to a code developed for extended producer responsibility schemes. "Re-turn is operating within the guidelines set for it," he added.

Ms Whitmore said she had expected “a lot more transparency” given the amount of public money the company will be handling, and the fact that it is responsible for such an important scheme when it comes to the country’s recycling obligations. The company is not intended to be profit-making, as the cost incurred by beverage suppliers when producing specially labelled cans and bottles is expected to be equal to the amount of uncollected deposits, thereby paying for itself.

She believes the deposit return scheme is unlikely to continue in its current form. “I think it will have to change,” the TD said. “My expectation is that… the amount of money they’re taking in through unredeemed is going to shock people when it’s finally reported, and I think at that stage there will be a lot of eyes on it.”

Source: News Formal (newsformal.com)

Environment Social Democrats Oireachtas Wicklow Dail Eireann

Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

Rory Hearne: ‘Ridiculous’ that Social Democrats not included in RTÉ election debatesSocial Democrat European candidate Rory Hearne said it is “ridiculous” his party is being excluded from election debates on RTÉ.
Source: NewstalkFM - 🏆 19. / 55 Read more »

Social Democrats replace de-selected election candidateThe Social Democrats have selected law student Hugo Mills as their Dún Laoghaire candidate in the local elections, following their decision to de-select candidate
Source: rtenews - 🏆 1. / 99 Read more »

Jewish Social Democrats candidate claims she was dropped after raising concerns about anti-SemitismSocial Democrats source says Orli Degani‘s candidacy became ‘unsustainable’ after she objected to the use of the Palestinian flag at party events
Source: IrishTimes - 🏆 3. / 98 Read more »

Psychological services for young people need urgent reform, says CairnsNumbers waiting for primary care psychology services in Cork are ‘staggering’, says Social Democrats leader
Source: IrishTimes - 🏆 3. / 98 Read more »

'Extremely serious' rat infestation reported in 'tent city' for asylum seekersExclusive: A department official alerted pest controllers to what he described as an urgent health and safety issue outside the International Protection Office in Dublin
Source: IrishMirror - 🏆 4. / 98 Read more »

‘Nobody flees without serious reasons’: Famine walkers urge compassion for today’s refugeesCommemorators began 165km journey in Roscommon retracing odyssey of desperate, evicted tenants in 1847
Source: IrishTimes - 🏆 3. / 98 Read more »