Máire Hoctor (Tipperary North, Fianna Fail)

This is a matter for the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Local authorities have the power necessary to operate the waiver schemes and most do so. The introduction of a national social welfare scheme to address the issue would not be feasible given the wide range of charging arrangements, regimes and cost structures that exist for waste management throughout the country. Charges vary across the local authorities, and within local authorities where there is more than one provider. In addition, some local authorities and private operators also operate waiver schemes but the qualifying conditions for these schemes also vary.