Feargal Quinn (Independent)

I thank Senator Norris for sharing time. The Bill is welcome and, although I deplore the undemocratic aspect of it, I realise that the Minister did not have a choice. He has grasped the nettle and because there was a need to do so.

The user pays concept is essential, but I not sure the Bill emphasises that in the case of household rubbish. I realise that in section 35 the Minister has made provision for taking into account the type and volume of waste, which is essential. If a local authority does not judge the amount of rubbish from individual households, that is the same as making it free because everybody, whether they have a lot of rubbish or only a little, will be obliged to pay the same amount. It is essential that a provision to deal with this problem is included in the legislation.