A Clare senator believes the newly-introduced Deposit Return Scheme is “not fair” and will punish small businesses.
The scheme, which was introduced on Thursday, means customers will pay a deposit fee for any plastic bottle they purchase marked with a Re-turn logo which they can return at their nearest return point.
Customers will get a coupon upon return which can be put against a store purchase or exchange for a cash refund.
Addressing Minister of State Neale Richmond in the Seanad, Ennistymon Fine Gael Senator Martin Conway says small businesses should receive funding to have a return machine on site so they’re not disadvantaged by the scheme.
Listen to the full interview here