Catherine Ardagh (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

First, I congratulate Senator Paul Coghlan on his election yesterday as Leas-Chathaoirleach. I know he will be a fair and prudent Chair like the Cathaoirleach. I express my congratulations to him and his family. I have known one of his daughters, Aoife, for a long time as I was in the Gaeltacht with her almost 20 years ago.

I also wish to address the House regarding the tragic death of a nurse in Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Crumlin. While the matter is being looked into by An Garda Síochána, I express my sympathy and that of the Fianna Fáil to her work colleagues and family.

There is a growing sense of fear and frustration among families about reports that bin charges could be on the rise again from 1 July. Any rise in charges is a struggle nowadays as people are still doing their utmost to pay their mortgage and other bills. The policy change agreed by the former Minister, Deputy Kelly, to pay by weight could result in charges increasing from €200 to €400 per year. This is unrealistic and completely unfair. Last January, the former Minister, Deputy Kelly, had the audacity to state the pay-by-weight system would realise savings of 87% to customers. Instead, they face a doubling of bin charges. Unless action is taken now, Members will face a situation that could quickly become uncontrollable. Waste will be disposed of illegally and there will be chaos in respect of payments. People are being faced with a double whammy of standard fees being increased under the pay-by-weight system, which will add extra costs.