Brian Stanley (Laois, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I have a query about the bill being detailed for the householder to some extent, presumably in terms of the volume. Can there be a detailed breakdown to let citizens and householders - I cannot use the word "consumer" - see exactly what their dry recyclables, the composting part and the non-recyclables are costing? It would be a good thing in terms of incentivising people to try to move them along. It would be a basic breakdown, similar to the electricity bill which gives information on fixed charges. It would be useful if people could get that. I accept what Mr. Conway said about putting the information on websites but there is a huge amount of information there. There are still 39 different offers.

My other question relates to the franchise, which was mentioned briefly. Is the pricing group looking at the franchise model? For example, a local authority, such as Galway City Council or Laois County Council, would go with the franchise model on a two or three-year basis so it could get the best value for householders in its district. It would remove that side-by-side competition and stop three and four lorries racing into some estates. More importantly, it could provide greater price stability. The picture that emerges is very complex, and I am sure the witnesses got a better look at it when doing the report. It is a complex issue on which to produce a report. It was not an easy job. It is a complex, almost chaotic, situation. There are hundreds of moving parts in it. The removal of waste from households is more complicated than it was previously. At one time it all went into the back of one lorry and was brought out to a landfill. It now goes to different places.

I believe the franchise model would simplify it and make everything clearer. Most of the rest of Europe, including the North, uses the franchise model. Is that within the group's remit and has it considered it? Can the group examine it? If the witnesses are reporting back to the committee in November or December, perhaps Mr. O'Donoghue and Mr. Conway could revert to us on that.