Ann Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Labour) | Oireachtas source

The Bill is designed to drive higher standards in the waste collection industry. The bar has been raised in terms of the standards required to access a waste collection permit, while existing permits will be more regularly reviewed for breaches of permit conditions. The suite of enforcement tools has been expanded and permits will be revoked for infractions of waste legislation.

This is being done in the context of the recognition that this is already a heavily regulated sector of Irish business. Legitimate operators also contribute much to the circular economy and to the economy generally, and must retain the scope to make the most commercially advantageous decisions for their business in what is a very competitive industry.