Barry Andrews (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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Question 509: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on the appointment of a regulator to deal with issues arising from waste management charges and waivers for older persons on a national basis. [37983/05]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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In accordance with section 52 of the Protection of the Environment Act 2003, the determination of waste management charges and waivers is a matter for the relevant local authority where it acts as the service provider. Similarly, where a private operator provides the collection service, it is a matter for that operator to determine charges.

Traditionally, waste management services have been provided at a local level with individual arrangements being locally determined and tailored to local circumstances. It has not been the practice for national government to be involved in these operational matters. Consequently, my Department has not exercised any function in determining waste management charges or any associated waiver arrangements. The present legal framework reflects this. However, in considering how the emerging waste market might best be regulated, I am considering whether and to what extent any regulatory regime should include elements of public service obligation, for example, in regard to service provision to low-income households. I hope to be in a position shortly to present proposals to Government with regard to regulation in this sector.