Denis Landy (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for attending the House this evening. Last week he set out his agenda on this issue in a fair and honest way in the House and we had a broad discussion. Many points were made and the Minister took them on board. The key point that I took from the discussion was that he had set out an agreement that he was going to follow through with contractors and service providers. I believe he will do that.

I fully respect Senator Murnane O'Connor's comments in regard to what is happening in Galway. However, it is like other things in this country. There are those who will blaggard the system and will try to do things, particularly to the elderly in this situation, which is wrong and unfair. Those people need to be called out and be told clearly that the representative body of the waste management companies have entered into an agreement with the Minister, as I understand, and that needs to be honoured. I am happy to allow the Minister to continue to engage in these discussions and to make the situation very clear to them.

There are a number of things that could be done. All waste management companies require to be re-licensed at some period in the cycle. That is a big stick and if people are doing what has been said here, then it should be stopped and it will be stopped. I am confident that the Minister will do that.

While I may not agree with all of the approach and the generality, on this issue specifically I commend the Minister for what he has done. I hope that when he engages further with these companies he will call them to boot and they will heel. The items that were raised and highlighted on the floor of the Seanad will be dealt with.