Batt O'Keeffe (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

They vary in scope between local authorities which reflects local judgments about local circumstances. While waiver schemes have not been a significant feature in areas served by private operators, local authorities have the power in such circumstances to make appropriate arrangements to deal with cases of hardship. This issue has not been pinpointed as part of the debate.

As with charges in general, the position on waivers takes full account of the principle of subsidiarity. Waste management is, as it always has been, an essentially local service deserving predominantly local management. In regard to the cost of waste collection for those on low incomes and households, discussion has taken place and is continuing between my Department and the Department of Social and Family Affairs.

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