Breeda Moynihan-Cronin (Kerry South, Labour)
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Question 72: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress made to date in regard to his discussions with the Department of Social and Family Affairs regarding difficulties faced by those on low incomes in paying service charges, especially where there is no waiver scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11071/05]

Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
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Question 88: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he intends to provide for a national waiver system for those on low incomes who are unable to pay service charges without undue hardship; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11070/05]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 72 and 88 together.

The making of waivers in respect of waste charges connected with services provided by, or on behalf of, local authorities is a matter for the local authority concerned. My Department has no function in the matter.

The issue of waste charges in the context of low income persons-households has been raised in a social partnership context arising from Sustaining Progress. Discussions are continuing between my Department and the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs in terms of identifying how any outstanding issues might be addressed.