Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent)
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212. To ask the Minister for Social Protection her plans to introduce an allowance for refuse collection for persons (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29310/17]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The introduction of an allowance for pensioners for domestic refuse collection by my Department would not be feasible given the wide range of charging regimes and cost structures that exist in respect of waste management throughout the State. As you know charges vary across local authorities and within local authorities where there is more than one provider. In addition, some local authorities and private operators already operate waiver schemes but again the qualifying conditions for these schemes also vary. Any system put in place to assist people with waste collection charges would have to take account of the different local arrangements.

Furthermore, any decision to introduce a refuse allowance for pensioners would also require extra resources and expenditure and would have to be considered in the context of overall budgetary negotiations.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.