Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1641. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will review correspondence regarding concerns on a waste company (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25583/16]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The 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, including contract and consumer legislation. However, as the waste industry began releasing its proposed prices under pay-by-weight in June, 2016, the Government relayed its concern to the industry regarding the reported escalation of waste bills for customers of certain companies.

On foot of this, my Department engaged with representatives of the waste industry to agree a way forward that results in customers paying no more than they are currently paying for waste collection over the next 12 months.  It is also the intention that the Government will review the operation of pay-by-weight and make decisions regarding its further roll-out, regulation and oversight by July 2017.

In line with the objectives of national waste policy, in terms of maximising the resource potential and minimising the disposal of waste, the European Union (Household Good Waste and Bio-Waste) Regulations 2015 are designed to promote the segregation and recovery of household food waste. The correct use of the “brown bin” in accordance with the provisions of the regulations enables food waste to be diverted from landfill and provides the opportunity for such waste to be presented for composting or anaerobic digestion or treatment in a way which fulfils a high level of environmental protection. The regulations require that food waste is collected at least as often as residual (“black bin”) waste.

The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) is the statutory independent body responsible for the enforcement of domestic and EU competition law in the State.  Section 9 (5) of the Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2014 provides that the Commission is independent in the performance of its functions, including carrying out investigations of alleged anti-competitive practices. Concerns in relation to consumer or competition issues should be reported to the CCPC.