Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Deputy Joan Collins stated that a cartel operates among the collectors of bins. That would be a criminal offence. If evidence exists that a cartel operates in respect of bin charges and the collection of bins, it would be a matter for investigation by the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission. The theory and spirit behind the legislation drafted on this issue was that it would not be a new charge in respect of waste being collected but would be a new way of thinking about how people could reduce their charges by using brown and green bins to a greater extent for recyclables, food and so on. The Minister for housing, local government and planning has been perfectly clear.

I am monitoring the position very carefully. The spirit of the legislation is to allow people to think differently about the waste put in bins. The charges set were as follows: 11 cent for a black bin of residual waste and 6 cent for a brown bin of organic waste. The Minister decided there would be a zero cent charge in the case of green bins. Given the concern expressed and because of the fact that numerous bin companies are operating in the greater Dublin area, the position is being monitored carefully by the Minister. The legislation was set in such a way that people would understand clearly that better use of the brown and green bins would reduce the amount to be placed in the black bin and that, therefore, charges should not rise. The position is being monitored carefully by the Minister.

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