Domestic waste collection waivers
Brian Stanley seeks the promised waiver for domestic waste charges, particularly for low-income households in Laois. Rabbitte says no legislation exists and attributes the difficulty to privatised waste collection, while Stanley reiterates the programme-for-government commitment.
I wish to ask about the commitment in the programme for Government on the waiver for domestic waste collection. I have raised this a number of times in the last two years and been given all sorts of fluffy answers. Three weeks ago the Taoiseach told me he would reply on the issue but in spite of the solemn commitment in the programme for Government, only some counties have a waiver. County Laois has not had a waiver in 25 years. We mentioned property taxes and water charges earlier and waste collection fees are placing further unbearable pressure on low income households. The Minister and I both know what is happening with illegal dumping all over the State. The countryside is covered in litter. We have clean towns and dirty roadways because illegal dumping is taking place. The Government must tell the House if it intends to introduce a waiver scheme for low income households.
Comment on this
I have been told there is promised legislation on it.
Comment on this
There is no legislation. The Deputy understands that when local authorities collected waste, there was a waiver system. Unfortunately a campaign grew up, led by Members of this House, that led to the privatisation of waste disposal and, as a result, the application of a waiver system is far more difficult.
Comment on this
What about the commitment in the programme for Government?