Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

We will have different opinions on the root causes. The Minister of State will be aware it has been argued that, because of our waste collection model and the costs associated with it, people are avoiding their bin charges by dumping illegally. Others might argue a different point. It is very difficult when we do not have good information. That would be helpful.

Food waste is one of the areas the Minister of State touched on in his opening statement. What are his priorities in that regard? There are really good groups like FoodCloud working in this area. Are there plans to expand community infrastructure, such as community fridges, larders and cupboards, to increase the amount of surplus food redistributed? Looking at international examples, has the Minister of State considered the French law requiring all surplus food to be redistributed rather than dumped? In Denmark, food waste is used in the energy system. What are the policy options the Government is looking at to address the issue of food waste?