Written answers

Thursday, 1 February 2007

Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government

Waste Management

5:00 pm

Photo of Michael RingMichael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 291: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will introduce a national waiver scheme for refuse services, in conjunction with the Department of Social and Family Affairs 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. [3186/07]

Photo of Dick RocheDick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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Waste management services have traditionally been provided at a local level, with individual arrangements being locally determined and tailored to local circumstances. The present legal framework, as determined by the Oireachtas, reflects this. In accordance with section 52 of the Protection of the Environment Act 2003, the determination of waste management charges, and any associated waiver scheme, 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. However, my Department has asked local authorities to engage with commercial waste collectors to agree on arrangements to assist lower income households by offering alternatives to periodic lump-sum payments.

In August last year, I published a consultation paper on options for future regulation of the waste sector. Submissions were invited on whether there is a need for a regulator for the sector, if so on what model of regulator might be most appropriate and on what powers any such regulator should be given. Among the possible powers discussed in the paper is the power to impose a public service obligation so that services can be extended to situations which do not provide a fully economic return. Following consideration of the submissions received, which is currently underway, I intend to finalise further policy proposals.

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