Paudge Connolly (Cavan-Monaghan, Independent)
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Question 395: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps he proposes to take to ensure equity in waste management charges throughout the country; if it is proposed to introduce initiatives to ensure value for money in waste disposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14224/04]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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In those areas where a local authority collection service is in place, the determination of charges for the service is a matter for the local authority itself. In areas where the local authority is not involved in the collection service, the determination of charges is a matter for the private collectors concerned.

In my recently published policy statement Taking Stock and Moving Forward I have set a target date of 1 January 2005 for the completion of the transition to use-based waste charges, either on the basis of weight or volume. As well as providing an important incentive to recycle, such charging regimes are also important from a charging equity point of view. In addition, I am currently considering, in consultation with my colleague the Minister for Social and Family Affairs, equity issues in relation to the waste charges waiver system.

Taking Stock and Moving Forward also highlights the importance of guarding against anti-competitive practices in the waste sector, and in this regard I will be commissioning a comprehensive study of the waste sector later this year.