Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 452: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position on free bags or allowances for old age pensioners and other social welfare recipients for refuse bags as they are very expensive and old age pensioners and other social welfare recipients are finding it very difficult to pay; if, in view of the fact that in the past there was a waiver system available, if this has been replaced by any payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11075/07]

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 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 and private operators 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 review.