Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 1002: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the discussions he has had with the Department of Finance in the matter of the introduction of a national waiver scheme for refuse charges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15184/06]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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My Department has no statutory function in the determination of waste charges and waivers and has not been in discussions with the Department of Finance regarding the introduction of a national waiver scheme for refuse charges. In accordance with section 52 of the Protection of the Environment Act 2003, the determination of waste management charges, and the provision of 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.

The issue of waste charges has been raised in the context of social partnership. In this context, my Department engaged with the Department of Social and Family Affairs to explore the issues involved. However, these discussions did not identify a role for the social welfare system in providing income support or allowances in relation to waste charges.