Eugene Murphy (Roscommon-Galway, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

This is a difficult situation for the Minister, which I acknowledge. Everybody in this House has to realise this matter must be faced up to. That is why, in our own election promises, we opted for pay-by-weight, and we acknowledge that, although not for green bins. There has been much talk in the House this evening about Fianna Fáil going up to the top of the hill and then coming down. We went to the top of the hill and we got a regulator from the Minister, so we came down with something. That is far better than the people who stay at the bottom of the hill, look up and say, "No, we will not do anything". I think we are playing a major role in this regard.

There is a responsibility on us all. In my own area, the Minister got money to help clean up a massive illegal dump in a beautiful area that people use for walking. This issue has to be dealt with. We must commend the many people in our society who are doing unbelievable work to clean up our countryside. This is the way I read the public: they want this matter dealt with but they want it dealt with properly. In dealing with it, we must ensure we support those who need assistance, such as larger families and those with incontinence issues, for whom the €75 payment should be increased. This problem must be dealt with properly. Fianna Fáil will be bringing forward further suggestions. I hope we will get a proper policy in place that will address all of the issues.

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