Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 430: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his proposals to introduce a national waiver scheme for refuse charges for social welfare recipients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32999/05]

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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The setting of waste management charges and the introduction of waivers in respect of waste charges is, as stated by my colleague the Minister for Environment, Heritage and Local Government, a matter for the each local authority and a number have done so.

The introduction of a national social welfare scheme to address the issue is not considered feasible given the wide range of charging regimes and cost levels that exist in respect of waste management throughout the State. Any system put in place to assist people who rely on private domestic waste collection would have to be sensitive to the different local arrangements.