Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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Question 75: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his plans to introduce assistance towards the cost of refuse collection for low income families; the consideration he has given into the research on the subject carried out by the Combat Poverty Agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23059/06]

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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I have examined the research carried out by the Combat Poverty Agency on the issue of a waiver system for refuse charges. In 2003 the Combat Poverty Agency published a report entitled "Waste Collection Charges and Low-Income Households". This report identified the privatization of waste collection charges and the abolition of waivers as factors causing indebtedness among some households.

In light of this, a later report, "Implementing a Waiver System: Guidelines for Local Authorities" which was published in October 2005 examined three possible models for the operation of a waiver system: a locally based system; a tax credit system and a social welfare system. Advantages and disadvantages of each model were presented but the report concluded that a locally operated waiver system would offer the most effective delivery model.

I am in agreement with the Combat Poverty Agency in that regard. 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 would be complex 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.

I intend to keep the matter under review and to monitor the experience of welfare customers under various charging systems and cost structures.