Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I raise with the Taoiseach the latest debacle surrounding bin charges. Yesterday, the Cabinet agreed a scheme that will bring to an end the flat rate charge and introduce a system that will undoubtedly result in householders paying much more in waste collection charges. This move is a telling demonstration of the political gimmick that is new politics, which is nothing but the same old story.

The new model announced by the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Deputy Denis Naughten, allows private operators the scope to set exorbitant charges for waste collection. It will allow them to charge whatever they like for what is an essential service. Given that this change will not even come before the Dáil, we truly have arrived at destination privatisation. Many households will not be able to afford these charges. The charging regime takes no account of income or ability to pay. Families know they will face additional charges. The families to whom the Taoiseach referred who are struggling to make ends meet will discover in due course how much more they will have to pay. Citizens struggling with the cost of living crises in mortgages, rents, child care, water charges, the property tax and car insurance will be hit once again.

The new charging model will also impact on small businesses and the farming community, with the prospect of illegal dumping rising across the State. Nowhere within the new model has the Government provided meaningful alleviation measures for the most vulnerable, including those with medical conditions, large families and low income households. The token gesture of a €75 annual grant for those with lifelong or long-term medical incontinence is absolutely pathetic and does not even amount to €1.50 per week. Is the Taoiseach for real?

The Government is opening the gates for private operators to make massive profits without protecting citizens, consumers or families. It is doing this in the most cynical manner possible. It is ramming this charge through at the 11th hour of the Dáil session in the hope of minimising political opposition. When officials from the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment met my colleague, Deputy Brian Stanley, yesterday they did not mention this scheme, yet it was announced 90 minutes later. I understand the same officials met the Government's friends in Fianna Fáil last week on the issue of waste. I wonder if they informed Fianna Fáil of this new scheme in advance. I notice this morning there has not been a peep on this topic from the soldiers of destiny.

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