Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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2044. To ask the Minister for Social Protection when a person is in receipt of invalidity pension, if they have access to a reduced rate of refuse collection; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28014/17]

Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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Invalidity Pension (IP) is a weekly payment to people who cannot work because of a long-term illness or disability and are covered by social insurance (PRSI). IP recipients qualify for the Free Travel pass and, if living alone or with certain “excepted people”, to the Household Benefits Package (HBP). The HBP consists of allowances towards electricity or gas, and the free TV licence.

I have no plans to extend the HBP to cover waste collection charges, as the responsibility for waste management policy rests with the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment (DCCAE).DCCAE advise that 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.

I hope this clarifies the issue for the Deputy.