Trevor Ó Clochartaigh (Sinn Fein)

We are disappointed that the Minister refuses to take on board our suggestions. The Ombudsman has intervened in regard to the waste waivers that have been introduced by some county councils but not others. She believes it would be preferable to implement a national policy on waivers. This is why we suggest this should be introduced at a national level.

We completely disagree on the financial situation. There is disconnection with the people in the community in terms of the impact of a €50 charge. I agree with the Minister that there has been widespread speculation about the various charges arising from this Bill but we have been consistent on this from day one. We do not believe the ordinary people should have to pay an extra charge. This is a form of double taxation. It is unfair on people in rural areas which are partly covered by group or local authority schemes. One house in a village will have to pay the charge while the neighbouring dwelling avoids it. The people of these areas have paid their taxes and they expect a basic level of service. They have paid development charges to their local authorities for these basic services.

The Minister has stated on numerous occasions that the Bill is not a revenue generating exercise. If that is true, it is strange that he cannot take on board the suggestion of a waiver. People in receipt of social welfare or family income supplement should be considered for a waiver because they cannot afford even a €50 charge at this stage. I have been contacted by constituents who were in tears over the proposed cuts to their incomes. We are told that the decisions on the budget have not yet been taken but a wealthy elite here are still making an awful lot of money.