Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Independent)
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168. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if the fixed price plan to which former waiver customers of a waste management company (details supplied) have recently been moved is in keeping Ireland’s obligations under European law and the polluter pays principle; if his Department will amend the Waste Management Act 1996 to allow for greater regulation of the behaviour of waste management companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52430/13]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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As set out in the Government’s policy on waste, A Resource Opportunity, an effective system of household waste collection is critical to the economy and the well-being of society. On 28 November, I published a consultation document on the regulation of household waste collection to guide the development of a new regulatory regime to strengthen and improve the regulation of household waste collection. Our approach to pricing structures is a significant focus in the consultation paper. I want to ensure that waste management companies operate pricing structures that incentivise environmentally sustainable behaviour in terms of waste reduction and segregation. The consultation document is intended to facilitate a dialogue with the public and key stakeholders, including representatives from the waste industry, statutory bodies such as local authorities, the EPA, the National Transfrontier Shipment Office, environmental NGOs and others. Following the 8-week consultation process, which ends on 31 January 2014, I will consider the submissions received and develop proposals for a package of regulatory reform of household waste collection in Ireland. Ultimately, however, charges applied by waste management companies are a matter between those companies and their customers, subject to compliance with all applicable environmental and other relevant legislation.