Michael Fitzmaurice (Roscommon-Galway, Independent) | Oireachtas source

There is basically no statutory remit under the legislation for the charges imposed on farmers. We must understand that, going by figures from the last ten years, at least €30 million or €40 million, maybe more, has been paid upfront by farmers in this. This was supposed to be a case of pay upfront and have it collected free. On what basis does the IFFPG claim to be able to impose charges? How does it add them up or come to the conclusion a farmer must pay a second time for the plastic he or she brings to the bring centres? When one looks at the legislation that was initially brought in, it was basically pay upfront and a person was actually supposed to get money back, never mind pay. Where does it give the authority to the likes of the IFFPG to go charging farmers?