Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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511. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the new charging system for domestic waste collection; the way in which the new system will protect persons and offer the best value service; the assurances he can make that the new system will work in the interest of consumers and not result in increased costs; the way in which the proposed measure will promote environmentally friendly domestic waste practices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31363/17]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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The new framework will give waste collectors the flexibility to continue to offer, or to introduce, a range of incentivised pricing options, which encourage householders to reduce and separate their waste, while choosing the service-price offering that best suits their circumstances and allows them to manage their costs

These options include elements or combinations of per-lift, per-kilogramme, weight-bands, weight allowances and standing charges. This offers the widest choice to consumers to help them manage their costs. About half of households are already on these types of offerings so the general public is familiar with them.

All-in flat rate charging for household waste will start to be phased-out by waste collectors as customers renew or enter new service contracts from September onwards. An annual support of €75 will be introduced for persons with lifelong or long-term medical incontinence. This will help people meet the average annual cost of disposal of incontinence products. The details and arrangements of this support will be finalised later this year, after further consultation with the stakeholder groups.

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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512. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources to outline the way in which the figure of €75 was determined in respect of the grant allocated to qualifying families under the pay-by-weight scheme; if this is the maximum grant figure; the detail of the consultation process taken or to be taken with relevant stakeholders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31439/17]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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From analysis conducted in consultation with the HSE, it was estimated that the average weight of used incontinence wear is 650 kg/annum (0.65 tonnes) per person with medical incontinence. I have indicated a support of €75 per person per annum for persons with long term or lifelong medical incontinence availing of a kerbside household waste collection. This is to cover the disposal cost of dealing with 650 kg per year of waste. Officials from my Department have engaged with stakeholder groups representing those with medical incontinence and the waste industry on the issue.