James Bannon (Fine Gael)

I move amendment No. 17:

In page 74, line 25, after "not" to insert "save by the express permission of the planning authority".

I am a strong advocate of local democracy and there is a role for the local authority in this area. This is a planning issue and there are provisions in all county development plans concerning planning matters, waste disposal and fly-postering. As a director of elections in the past, I know how quickly local authorities take action regarding the removal of election posters after elections. We should incorporate the local authorities in this area because they are at the forefront in implementing policy. Local government is being undermined. There are local issues that a local authority might be more aware of and it is important to include them.

Senator O'Meara referred to the fact that people may be forced to return their wheeled bins because of inability to pay. Can we get the Minister's viewpoint on this? We do not want to see the countryside, the highways and byways covered in litter. Some scheme should be available for people who cannot afford to pay for waste collection services. These people must be facilitated to ensure the environment is not damaged by illegal dumping.