Michael Finucane (Fine Gael)

I support my colleague, Senator Brian Hayes. The Disability Bill was going through both Houses prior to the last election three years ago. It was withdrawn at the time due to concerns expressed by people involved in the disability sector. Many of us considered that all that was behind us. However, a large protest group convened a meeting last night in the RDS because of people's great concern regarding the new Disability Bill. It is not right to reassure them on the basis that their concerns will be teased out on Committee Stage. We need to look seriously at the Bill and see how it can be made compatible with the requirements of those involved in the disability sector. Satisfaction has been expressed at the type of funding that has been programmed for the next few years but concerns exist regarding specific elements of the Bill.

Problems exist with refuse collection in Cork. Many of us are concerned about the privatisation of services and the cost of refuse collection. A person who pays tax gets a tax credit for payment of a refuse collection charge, up to a maximum of €195 at the standard rate of 20%. However, a pensioner recently pointed out to me how unfair the system is, as he does not get any tax credit or allowance. People now pay between €400 and €500 per year in refuse disposal charges. The sum of €400 per year works out at €8 per week, which is unjust. In the past we were hailed as innovative as we introduced concessions for telephone and electricity charges. It is now time for the Minister for Social and Family Affairs to examine this area, especially in regard to old age pensioners, to see if an allowance or subvention could be provided in regard to refuse collection. It is becoming more and more prohibitive for pensioners and others who cannot afford it to pay that type of charge.