John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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Question 322: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a substantial proportion of the recent increase in old age pension payments will be used up in County Waterford by the introduction of a fixed waste services charge of €130 per household in Dungarvan and €150 per household in the rest of the county; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Waterford County Council has no waiver system in place for waste service charges; if he will make a statement on the considerable hardship this will cause to those on low incomes, particularly old age pensioners. [3471/06]

John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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Question 327: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on the fact that Waterford County Council has no waiver system in place for waste service charges; his further views on the fact that the introduction of charges of €130 per household in Dungarvan town and €150 per household in the rest of the county will cause real hardship to low income families, particularly old age pensioners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3455/06]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 322 and 327 together.

As the Deputy is aware, the determination of waste management charges, and any associated waiver scheme, is a matter for the relevant local authority, where it acts as the service provider. My Department understands that the annual standing charge introduced by both Dungarvan Town Council and Waterford County Council of €130 and €150 per annum is seen as necessary to cover the fixed costs, for example, staff costs, truck, maintenance, insurance, transport to nearest landfill etc. associated with providing the collection service to each customer. These fixed costs of providing a regular household service are incurred by the collector whether or not a bin is presented for emptying. In order to assist lower income households, the councils have arranged for payment of the standing charge by way of instalments.

My Department has been advised that the county council operates a comprehensive waiver scheme in respect of waste charges. Those eligible to apply for a waiver are old age pensioners and other social welfare recipients. A similar arrangement is operated by Dungarvan Town Council in respect of certain persons in receipt of old age pensions.