Dan Neville (Limerick West, Fine Gael)
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Question 33: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he has been involved in discussions with other Government Departments or State agencies regarding the possible introduction of a national waiver scheme on waste charges for those on low incomes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43296/06]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 282: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will introduce a national waiver scheme for refuse services, in conjunction with the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government specifically targeted to help social welfare recipients and people on low incomes and those who have no option but to avail of refuse service from a private operator; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43465/06]

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 33 and 282 together.

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 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 within local authorities where there is more than one provider. In addition, some local authorities already operate waiver schemes.

My officials have discussed this issue with their counterparts in the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government. While there are no plans at present for the introduction of a waiver scheme through the social welfare system, I intend to keep the issue under close scrutiny.