Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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201. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if an implementation date been reached regarding the pay by weight for household waste and the allowance of €75 for households with medical waste; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18287/18]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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In line with the commitments set out in A Resource Opportunity - Waste Management Policy in Ireland,published in 2012, and in the interest of encouraging further waste prevention and greater recycling, flat-rate fees for kerbside household waste collection are being phased out over the period autumn 2017 to autumn 2018, as customers contracts come up for renewal. The necessary regulatory steps have been put in place to give effect to this measure.

It is worth noting that this measure is not ‘new’ for about half of kerbside household waste customers, who are already on an incentivised usage pricing plan, i.e., a plan which contains a per lift or a weight related fee.

As announced in mid-2017, mandatory per kilogramme 'pay by weight' charging is not being introduced. Allowing for a range of charging options, which encourage householders to reduce and separate their waste, provides flexibility to waste collectors to develop various service-price offerings that suit different household circumstances.

An annual support of €75 per person will be made available for persons with lifelong or long-term medical incontinence. This will help people meet the average annual cost for the disposal of medical incontinence products.  My Department is currently in discussion with the Department of Health and the Health Service Executive to finalise the details and arrangements of the support which will involve further engagement with relevant stakeholders.