Mr. Fergal O'Leary:

In terms of working conditions, sustainability and costs, our study will examine how well the market works from the consumer and operator points of view.

The Deputy is correct there have been a huge number of issues around pay-by-weight in Dublin and nationally. What we need is a longer term view of household waste collection in terms of how it can be done efficiently while ensuring operators can have a sustainable living and pay their staff appropriately. The study is due to be completed by the end of quarter 1 and, as I said, it will examine all of the factors around costs and consumer issues. The Deputy's point on tendering is a very important one and it will also be examined in the context of the study. The Deputy might recall the High Court case a number of years ago around tendering in this area. We believe that from at least an economic point of view we should look at what would be best in terms of the operation of this market.