Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
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Question 591: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will introduce a nationwide refuse charge waiver scheme for the elderly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14011/07]

Dick 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. Section 60(3) of the Waste Management Act, 1996 specifically precludes the Minister from any involvement in anything for which a local authority has statutory responsibility. 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.