Luke Flanagan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)

In regard to the waiver scheme, one of the problems is that it costs money in a situation where resources are extremely limited. I remain a fan of the polluter pays principle but there are limitations to it. It has been proven at this stage, as far as I can see, that if the polluter cannot pay, the polluter will, unfortunately, dump, and that costs a great deal to clean up. All one has to do is walk along the roads anywhere in the country when the grass is receding and the leaves falling from the trees to see the extent of dumping that is happening. People resort to desperate measures if they do not have the money to dispose of their waste legally. During my time as a member of Roscommon County Council, every one of the Fine Gael councillors made a call, every couple of months, for the Minister to introduce a waiver scheme. It was becoming very boring and repetitive. Ultimately, however, some type of scheme must be introduced, because it will cost more money in the long run not to do so.

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