To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (i) whether he intends to bring forward a Deposit Return Scheme for plastic bottles or aluminium containers in Northern Ireland; and (ii) for an update on his plans to have a variable or fixed rate scheme.

I committed back in February 2020 to Northern Ireland’s continued participation in the development of UK-wide proposals to reform the Packaging Producer Responsibility system and the introduction of a Deposit Return Scheme. I am taking powers in the Westminster Environment Bill to allow a Deposit Return Scheme to be established in Northern Ireland, the purpose of which is to secure an increase in recycling and recyclability of materials, and to reduce the amount and costs of littering and fly-tipping.

The specific details of the scheme have been refined following earlier consultation in 2019, using evidence gathered and through ongoing engagement with stakeholders. I plan to launch a second public consultation this year. The options for scope (material and size of container), deposit level and model of a DRS will be presented in the second consultation.