Michael Lowry (Tipperary North, Independent)
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Question 267: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on waiving the fees associated with refuse collection for people over the age of 65; the approximate cost of such a waiver; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4569/06]

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 the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, a matter for each local authority.

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 structures 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.

It is tentatively estimated that the cost of a waiver in respect of waste disposal charges for social welfare recipients aged 66 years and over would be in the region of €55 million per annum. This estimate is based on an average charge of €6 per week for waste disposal services.