Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)

The Ombudsman issued a report some time ago advocating the provision of waivers in regard to waste collection. I am sympathetic to that position and have asked that it be taken into account in the context of the waste policy review I am currently overseeing. There are people who can afford these services and others who cannot. However, I am also concerned to have a comprehensive service in place. Deputy Niall Collins observed that some rural areas have no service at all. We must have a competitive, comprehensive collection system which allows us to meet our EU obligations in terms of reducing landfill by providing alternative waste mechanisms. Nevertheless, I will take into account Deputy Ellis's views in the context of the waste policy review.

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