Seanad debates
Wednesday, 5 November 2003
Waste Management: Statements (Resumed).
Several Senators, including Senator Quinn, spoke about waiver charges and there is a message in that. In the Dublin local authorities when charges were being approved – I was on a local authority at the time – we took serious measures to ensure that there was a generous waiver scheme, particularly for pensioners. In Dublin and around the country where the local authorities withdrew from waste collection it was left to private operators to look after this area. People in the Dublin area who caused civil disobedience should realise what might happen if local authorities withdrew and it was left to the private operators because while it is with local authorities, if the councillors so choose, they can introduce liberal waiver schemes. If the local authorities opt out, certain people in the Dáil and on the streets who are campaigning should be aware that they will end up in a situation where the private contractor may not be so generous.
No comments