Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
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Question 415: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the plans he has to put measures in place to assist the elderly with the cost of bin charges; if it is acceptable that those who are in employment can claim tax relief but those on old age pensions get no assistance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27977/06]

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 Environment, Heritage and Local Government, a matter for each local authority. Tax credits are a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Finance.

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. Charges vary across local authorities and some local authorities already operate waiver schemes. 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 have asked my Department to keep this issue under review.