Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment

Copies of all correspondence and communications, including emails between all Parties prior to the establishment of DRSI and it submitting it's proposals for the scheme for Ministerial approval. Furthermore, we should also be obliged for full disclosure of all communications between the DRSI and the Minister from the time of Approval of the scheme to date regarding amendments or alternations to the Approved Scheme and copies of the Ministerial Approvals of such amendments or alterations. Clarification received 08/01/2024 In the course of a video meeting with Minister Ossian Smyth and his staff on December 19th, in response to the question of what and with whom consultations were held, prior to the Minister's approval of the Deposit Return Scheme Ireland, in order to ensure compliance with the provisions of S.I. No. 599 of 2021 Section 7 (4) (I). Ms Bernie Kiely of the Department of the Environment, Climate & Communications responded to the effect that she was satisfied there was adequate consultation but failed to give detail as to with whom other than to state IBEC were among those consulted with. It is records in relation to the consultations with the "others" that we seek, if they exist. If they do not exist it reasonably infers that the necessary consultations did not take place. The second aspect of our request for records is in regard to the communications between the Minister and the DRSI to ensure compliance with the provisions of S.I. No. 599 of 2021 Section 4,5, 6, and 7 thereof.