Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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244. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources further to Parliamentary Question No. 229 of 21 June 2016, the details of the proposed free allowance for adult incontinence wear in view of the imminent introduction of pay-by-weight charges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22518/17]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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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.

My Department is currently reviewing, together with the regulatory authorities and industry representatives, the introduction of an incentivised system which encourages people to prevent, reduce and segregate their waste. This approach is in line with Government waste policy to reduce our reliance on landfill for waste disposal and will also facilitate the provision of a range of options for people to manage their waste costs. The issue raised by the Deputy will be considered as part of the review.

I have already indicated quite clearly that any such system will encompass more than just the previously proposed pay-by-weight per-kilogramme model. It is important to acknowledge that many people are already on plans which encourage waste prevention and segregation, including models which contain an element of weight-based charging.