Dan Neville (Limerick West, Fine Gael)
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Question 108: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will introduce a waiver on waste charges available nationally to all those on low income. [37670/06]

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.

The introduction of a national social welfare scheme to address the issue is 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 within local authorities where there is more than one provider. In addition, 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 take account of the different local arrangements.

I am sensitive to the effects of this situation on social welfare recipients and I have asked my Department to explore possible options.