Circular Economy Minister Lorna Slater set out plans for a phased implementation of the scheme and said the target of achieving 90% collection rates by 2024 will be maintained

Customers are able to return plastic or glass bottles and aluminium cans in exchange for vouchers worth up to £5

The EAC suggests the delayed Deposit Return Scheme should include carton collection

The government has launched two consultations, including proposals for a deposit return scheme for drinks containers and an extended producer responsibility scheme for packaging

Digital DRS schemes allow local authorities, brands and regulators to monitor recycling rates so they can analyse the habits of households

It is offering shoppers a 5p coupon for each qualifying drink container that is returned to the reverse vending machine

Two thirds of customers used the reverse vending machines at least once a fortnight over the last year

It will cover PET plastic bottles, like most fizzy drinks and water bottles, steel and aluminium cans and glass bottles

It would be imposed on plastic packaging that do not meet a minimum threshold of at least 30% recycled content

The government has launched a review to explore how best Ireland could deliver a 90% collection target for plastic bottles by 2029