Nicky McFadden (Fine Gael)

I move amendment No. 24:

In page 3, before section 2, to insert the following new section:

"2.—The Minister shall, within 3 months of the commencement of this Act, lay before each House of the Oireachtas, a report on the introduction of a national waste waiver system for all low-income households administered through the social welfare system.".

A new report by the Combat Poverty Agency has highlighted the need for a uniform approach to the application of waiver arrangements for waste collection charges for low income and poor households. Such waivers should be available from all refuse collection operators, both public and private. Senator Cassidy and I are aware of the good waiver system in County Westmeath but, as it is under constant review, there is a danger it will be removed. Several factors need to be assessed, for instance eligibility for a waiver, the proportion of the discount, the application procedure and a clear decision-making and appeals system. There should be a national payment to the local authorities, or through the social welfare system, to allow people avail of the waiver, which is a good system and directly helps those who are worst off.