Aindrias Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I put it to the Minister of State that enforcement is needed. Waste companies are either charging under the pay-by-weight system or they are not. It is a black and white matter. It is clear that waste companies are charging by the kilogramme even though they are not supposed to do so until next year. I suggest the Government needs to take action in this respect. The Minister of State referred to bins "weighing over 120 kg". We are not talking about massive loads in the order of 120 kg. We are talking about those customers who are described by providers as average customers with bins weighing 30 kg. They are being charged for weights in excess of that average. Half of the customers are going to be over the average without coming anywhere near an unreasonable weight like 120 kg. Many of those who have weights in excess of 30 kg will have weights of less than 40 kg. No credit towards the average is given for occasions when bins are not put out.

I am pleased that providers will be coming forward with an additional bin. That needs to happen sooner rather than later. There is no dual billing in place, but there is weighing. People are being charged for weights in excess of 30 kg. They are not huge bins by any stretch of the imagination. What kind of enforcement does the Government intend to put in place in respect of this form of charging? I understand that there will be a meeting. An issue arose in June and July because of the uncertainty and confusion that was being felt by customers.

They felt they had breathing space until next year. It is only adding further to the confusion to think that some are allowed to charge and others are not, and that confusion needs to be cleared up. They are not supposed to be charging. The Government is supposed to be introducing legislation and dealing with it.

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