Deposit Return Scheme

What is the Deposit Return Scheme?

The Deposit Return Scheme is a new bottle and recycling system. It began on 1 February 2024. When you buy a drink in a container with a Re-turn logo, you are charged a small refundable deposit. Under the Deposit Return Scheme, you can get your deposit back by returning the empty container.

How much is the deposit on a container?

Containers between 150ml to 500ml have a 15 cent deposit. Containers over 500ml to 3 litres have a 25 cent deposit. The deposit is added to the overall cost of the drink.

Where do I return containers and get my deposit refunded?

You can return containers to shops that sell containers with the Re-turn logo. You do not have to return containers to the same place you bought them. You can either return containers using a Reverse Vending Machine (RVM) or manually in the shop.

If you use a RVM, you will get a voucher for the value of the deposit on the containers you returned. You can use the voucher towards a purchase in the shop or you can refund the voucher for cash. Vouchers can only be used or refunded in the shop you got them from. 

Some businesses may have a take back exemption (pdf)because they also sell food or because they are under a certain size.. You can check the interactive map on the Re-Turn website to see where you can return your containers.

What if there is no logo on the container but I was charged a deposit?

There is a transition period for retailers from 1 February 2024 to 1 June 2024. During this time, shops can sell new containers with the logo and older containers without the logo. 

Containers without a logo may still have barcodes that have been registered as part of the scheme. If you are charged a deposit on such a container, you can return it even if it does not have a logo. 

You will not be charged a deposit on containers without a logo and without a registered barcode – these containers can be recycled in your green bin at home. After 1 June 2024, all containers included in the scheme will have the Re-turn logo and a registered barcode.

Read more about the Deposit Return Scheme on https://bit.ly/TheDepositReturnScheme, or call us on 0818 07 4000 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm).

Know Your Rights has been compiled by South Connacht Citizens Information Service CLG, which provides a free and confidential service to the public. Tel: 0818 07 6330 Address: Boyle CIC, Elphin Street, Boyle, Co. Roscommon

Information is also available online at citizensinformation.ie and from the Citizens Information Phone Service, 0818 07 4000.

Update 24th May - Leaving Certificate

 Leaving Certificate

What is the Leaving Certificate?

The Leaving Certificate – often called the Leaving Cert – is a 2-year school programme that covers a wide range of subjects. The Leaving Cert exam is the final exam taken by second-level students in Ireland.

Subjects can be studied at either Ordinary or Higher Level. Students who might have difficulty with Irish and Maths can study them at Foundation Level. Depending on the subject, you are assessed using a combination of continuous assessment, practical exams and oral exams. Most subjects have a written exam.

How is the exam graded?

The exam has 8 grades. The highest is Grade 1 and the lowest is Grade 8.

Grade 1 is for marks between 90% and 100%. Each grade band after this is 10% wide, except for Grade 8 which is under 30%.

When do the Leaving Certificate written exams start?

The Leaving Certificate written exams run from Wednesday, 7 June 2023 to Tuesday, 27 June 2023.

The State Examinations Commission has published the Leaving Cert 2023 exam timetable (pdf).

What happens if I can’t sit my written exam?

If you cannot sit your written exam because of a family bereavement, serious accident, injury or illness, you may be able to sit the deferred Leaving Certificate exam, which starts at the end of June. Your school must apply to the SEC on the day of the first missed exam. The SEC will decide if you meet the criteria for a deferral.

When will I get my Leaving Certificate results?

The release date for results has yet to be announced for 2023. In previous years, the results were released in August or September.

Read more about the Leaving Cert on https://bit.ly/LeavingCertificate or call us on 0818 07 4000 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm).

Know Your Rights has been compiled by South Connacht Citizens Information Service CLG, which provides a free and confidential service to the public. Tel: 0818 07 6330 Address: Boyle CIC, Elphin Street, Boyle, Co. Roscommon

Information is also available online at citizensinformation.ie and from the Citizens Information Phone Service, 0818 07 4000.

Update 4th May

 What is the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant?

The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant provides funding so you can refurbish vacant and derelict homes. You can also use it to renovate properties that have not been used as residential properties before.

How much is the grant worth?

You can currently get up to €30,000 to refurbish a vacant home and €50,000 for a derelict home. The grant includes VAT. However, these grants are due to increase to €50,000 for vacant homes and €70,000 for derelict homes.

Does my property meet the criteria for the grant?

The grant currently applies to vacant properties built before 1993, and you must live in the property as your main residence once the work is completed.

However, from 1 May 2023, the grant will be extended to vacant properties built before 2007 and to people who want to rent out the properties when they are refurbished.

How do I qualify for the grant?

To qualify, you must own the home, or be in the process of buying it, and it must have been vacant for two or more years. You must also have tax clearance from Revenue, have paid your Local Property Tax, and your tax affairs must be in order.

How do I apply for the grant?

You must complete an application form and send it to your local authority. You must provide supporting documents that prove that the property is vacant or derelict and that you own it or are trying to buy it. You will also need a quote for the work.

If your application is successful, the grant will paid when the work is done and the local authority has inspected it.

Read more about the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant on https://bit.ly/VacantPropertyRefurbishment or call us on 0818 07 4000 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm).

Know Your Rights has been compiled by South Connacht Citizens Information Service CLG, which provides a free and confidential service to the public. Tel: 0818 07 6330 Address: Boyle CIC, Elphin Street, Boyle, Co. Roscommon

Information is also available online at citizensinformation.ie and from the Citizens Information Phone Service, 0818 07 4000.

 

Working hours for young people

 

Do I have special rights as a young worker?

The number of hours you can work and the types of jobs you can do, depends on your age.

Young workers are people aged 14 to 18, who work for an employer. As young workers are generally in full-time education, they are protected by different employment laws than adults. This is to make sure their work does not put their health or education at risk.

The working hours for young people are regulated by the Protection of Young Persons (Employment) Act 1996. The Act does not apply to children or young people who are employed by a close relative.

How many hours can I work?

Employers cannot employ children under 16 in regular full-time jobs. They can employ children aged 14 and 15 years on light work as follows:

·         Children aged 14 or over can do light work during the school holidays where the hours do not exceed 7 in any day or 35 in any week.

·         Children over 15 but under 16 can do light work up to 8 hours a week during school term time.

·         Children under 16 must have at least 21 days off work during the summer holidays.

Children aged 16 to 18 can work a maximum of 8 hours a day and 40 hours a week.

What breaks am I entitled to?

Workers under 16 are entitled to 30 minutes rest break after every 4 hours of work and 14 consecutive hours off between shifts.

Workers over 16 are entitled to a 30 minutes rest break for every 4.5 hours of work and 12 consecutive hours of between shifts.

Both must have 2 days off a week.

Read more about Working hours for young people on citizensinformation.ie, https://bit.ly/3OVMRWi

Know Your Rights has been compiled by South Connacht Citizens Information Service CLG, which provides a free and confidential service to the public.

Tel: 0818 07 6330 Address: Boyle CIC, Elphin Street, Boyle, Co. Roscommon

Information is also available online at citizensinformation.ie and from the Citizens Information Phone Service, 0818 07 4000.

  

Know Your Rights: March 2022

1.    Air passenger rights in the European Union. 1

2.    Tenants’ rights. 2

3.    Getting your deposit back from your landlord. 3

4.    The Foreign Births Register 4

 

Air passenger rights in the European Union

Question: My flight was cancelled, what am I entitled to from the airline?

Answer: The airline must give you a choice of:

·         Re-routing to your final destination at the earliest opportunity or at a later date if you prefer

·         A refund of the cost of your ticket within 7 days

You may also be entitled to compensation.  It depends on when you were notified about the cancellation.

My flight is delayed, what am I entitled to?

You must be offered free meals and refreshments If your flight is delayed for:

·         2 hours or more and is for a distance of 1500 km or less

·         3 hours or more and is for a distance of  1500 km or less within the EU,  and between 1500 and 3500 km outside the EU

·         4 hours or more in the case of all other flights

You must be offered free hotel accommodation if you need to stay overnight for one night or more, as well as transport between the hotel and the airport. You must be offered two free telephone calls, fax messages, or emails.

What if the flight is delayed for 5 hours or more?

Then you must be offered a full refund.

What if I get upgraded or downgraded?

If you are offered an upgrade, the airline cannot charge you anything extra. If you agree to be downgraded, the airline must reimburse you a percentage of the difference in price between your original seat price and the new seat price.

 

Read more about Air passenger rights in the European Union on citizensinformation.ie https://bit.ly/3v5Fzb3, or call us on 0818 07 4000 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm).

 

Tenants’ rights

Question: My private rented accommodation is damp and mouldy. Does the landlord have to fix this?

Answer: Yes, your landlord has a legal duty to make sure that your home meets certain minimum physical standards. This includes keeping it in a proper state of structural repair and free from damp.

Does my landlord have to provide a washing machine?

Yes, your landlord must provide you with access to a washing machine, and a clothes-dryer if your home does not have a private garden or yard.

Some of the other things they must provide include:

·         A 4-ring hob with oven and grill

·         A cooker hood or extractor fan

·         A microwave oven

·         A sink with hot and cold water

·         A well ventilated bathroom which is in a separate room from the living quarters

·         A fixed heating appliance in each room which you can control

·         Vermin-proof rubbish storage facilities

Is my landlord responsible if my possessions are damaged because of an issue with the property, for example, if the pipes burst?

While the landlord is responsible for keeping the building in good repair they are not generally responsible for any damage to your possessions. Several insurance companies provide contents insurance for private tenants.

What should I do if my house does not meet the minimum standards?

First speak to your landlord about the problem. Put your complaint in writing and include as many details as possible, including photographs, videos and any receipts for repairs you did at your own expense. If your landlord refuses to carry out the necessary repairs, you should report them to your local authority.

Read more about standards for rented accommodation on citizensinformation.ie https://bit.ly/3srvjIw, or call us on 0818 07 4000 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm).

 

Getting your deposit back from your landlord

 

Question: I am moving out of my rented accommodation, when will I get my deposit back?

Answer: If you haven’t broken your tenancy agreement, you should get your deposit back soon after you move out. The landlord may need time to inspect or repair the property. You should expect to get your deposit back within two weeks of moving out, though this is not a legal requirement.

Can my landlord keep my deposit?

Your landlord can only keep your deposit for the following reasons:

• Rent arrears (unpaid or outstanding rent)
• Unpaid bills
• Damage to the property above normal wear and tear
• You did not give adequate notice

What should I do if the landlord tells me they will not return my deposit because the property is damaged?

Your landlord can only keep your deposit if the property is damaged above what is considered normal wear and tear.

If you don’t have photos of the property from when you moved in and out, you should ask for photographic evidence of the damage from the landlord. If they say the repairs have been done ask to see the receipts for the work. Keep a record of all your correspondence.

What do I do next if my landlord still won’t return my deposit?

You can make a complaint to the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB). The RTB deals with most disputes between landlords and tenants, rather than the courts. You can apply for dispute resolution by mediation on the RTB’s website for free.

Read more about resolving a dispute with your landlord on citizensinformation.ie 👉 https://bit.ly/3HPYdr0, or call us on 0818 07 4000 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm).

The Foreign Births Register

 

Question:  I wasn’t born in Ireland but I want to claim citizenship by descent from my Irish relatives. What are the rules?

Answer: You are eligible to claim Irish citizenship by descent if:

·         One of your grandparents was born in Ireland

or

·         One of your parents was an Irish citizen at the time of your birth but was not born in Ireland

If you meet either of these qualifications, you can become an Irish citizen by registering your birth with the Foreign Births Register.

What documents do I need to register my birth with the Foreign Births Register?

You need to have documents of your own and documents relating to your Irish relative. You should provide your own:

·         Birth certificate

·         State-issued identification

·         Two proofs of address

·         4 photographs

And you also need your Irish grandparent or parents:

·         Birth certificate(s)

·         Current state-issued identification (or their death certificate if they are deceased)

More documents may be needed depending on your situation (for example, if you have changed your name or you were adopted).

What is the cost?

The fees are:

·         €278 for an adult

·         €158 for a child

I am an Irish citizen by birth but my child was not born in Ireland. Should I register their birth on the Foreign Births Register?

No, your child is automatically an Irish citizen. You can simply apply for an Irish passport for your child. 

Read more about the Foreign Births Register on citizensinformation.ie 👉 https://bit.ly/3Ih9II9, or call us on 0818 07 4000 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm).

 

 

Know Your Rights has been compiled by South Connacht Citizens Information Service CLG, which provides a free and confidential service to the public.

Tel: 0818 07 6330 Address: Boyle CIC, Elphin Street, Boyle, Co. Roscommon

Information is also available online at citizensinformation.ie and from the Citizens Information Phone Service, 0818 07 4000.

Update 26th January Part Two

  

Know Your Rights: January 2022

Refunds

Question: what are my rights if I have bought a faulty item?

If you have bought something that turns out to be faulty, then the seller must repair it free of charge or give you a refund or replacement.

What if the fault is minor, such as a scratch?

If the fault does not affect how the item works you may not be entitled to a refund.

What if the faulty item is a gift?

If you received a gift that turns out to be faulty, you will need proof of purchase to get a refund or replacement. Proof of purchase can be a receipt, invoice or credit or debit card statement.

What if the item was bought on sale?

If you buy something on sale that is faulty, you have the same rights as if the item was bought at full price. This is the case unless the item was reduced because of a fault and you were told about this before you bought it. 

 

Read more about refunds on citizensinformation.ie 👉 https://bit.ly/3Gp7Yvq, to Know Your Rights has been compiled by South Connacht Citizens Information Service CLG, which provides a free and confidential service to the public.

Tel: 0818 07 6330 Address: Boyle CIC, Elphin Street, Boyle, Co. Roscommon

Information is also available online at citizensinformation.ie and from the Citizens Information Phone Service, 0818 07 4000.

Update 26th January

 

Know Your Rights: January 2022

PAYE taxes

Question

I’m a PAYE worker. What income tax will I pay in 2022?

Answer

Your income is taxed at 20% up to a certain amount. This is known as the standard rate of tax and the amount of income that it applies to is the standard rate tax band.

If you have income above the standard rate tax band, it is taxed at the higher rate of tax, which is 40%.

There were no changes to tax rates in 2022, but the standard rate tax bands were raised by €1,500.

Personal circumstances	Tax rates and bands in 2022, €
Single person	36,800 @ 20% Balance @40%
Married couple/civil partners, one income	45,800@ 20% Balance @ 40%
Married couple/civil partners, two incomes	Up to 73,600@ 20% Balance @ 40%
One-parent family	40,800 @ 20% Balance @ 40%

 

You may be able to get other income tax reliefs, tax credits or exemptions depending on your personal circumstances. These can reduce the amount of tax that you have to pay.

Read more about calculating your tax on citizensinformation.ie 👉 https://bit.ly/3JNlkE7, or call us on 0818 07 4000 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm).

 

Know Your Rights has been compiled by South Connacht Citizens Information Service CLG, which provides a free and confidential service to the public.

Tel: 0818 07 6330 Address: Boyle CIC, Elphin Street, Boyle, Co. Roscommon

Information is also available online at citizensinformation.ie and from the Citizens Information Phone Service, 0818 07 4000.