Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)

I know the Deputy listened very carefully and that he understands the points made.

I have sympathy with the notion that the Government would look at how our local authorities are dealing with the waste problem. At the same time we must understand their position. Deputy Gilmore would be the first to say that. Local authorities are entitled to their independence and to make their own decisions. I suppose it is a bit confusing in the Dublin region where all the local authorities seem to be going in different directions to some extent. There are some differences between them regarding the operation of the waiver schemes. The Minister may have a role to play in bringing all the local authority managers together, particularly in the Dublin region, to get some conformity so that people will understand the issues.

I have been associated with the south Dublin area since I was first elected to the council there in 1991. The council then broke away as a result of the Local Government Reform Bill 1994 and South Dublin County Council was founded. That council is very progressive with regard to waste management and the waiver scheme. I am not patronising the council. When I need to attack my local council I do so and when I need to bring concerns to its attention I am not afraid to do so.

I can speak for my own area, and it is important to understand that the waiver scheme seems to be working. I will always make the case that we should consider people who cannot pay for one reason or other. One of the difficulties I have with the current waiver scheme of South Dublin County Council is that households paying tax, which may include people on pensions and so on, are not entitled to such a waiver up front. There is a clause to the effect that if the manager believes a family is in need of a waiver, it is considered. Managers should look at that. Having listened to Deputy Ring make the point last night I am sympathetic to the view that if families are entitled to various benefits and claims, we should take into consideration their ability to pay for the disposal of waste.

I have a great deal to say about the success of the green bins, the need for recycling and the whole notion of helping families pay for things easily, but, having looked at the clock, I will leave that for another night. I look forward to supporting the Government amendment.

See this speech in context