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Dáil
‹ Order of Business

Leaders’ meeting and waste charges

Summary

Gerry Adams seeks a leaders’ meeting on a post-Brexit forum and questions waste companies’ pay-by-weight charges. The Chair rules on Order of Business limits, while the Taoiseach says companies must follow the code and refers to an upcoming statement on the water-charges process.

During Leaders' Questions I asked whether the Taoiseach would call a meeting of leaders to discuss the proposition for a post-Brexit forum. He did not give me an answer. Given that he supports the idea, as do three of the leaders who have spoken on it, he should meet us.

The Government recently told us that waste companies had agreed to freeze the introduction of pay-by-weight charges for 12 months. I understand since then that Greyhound has said it will automatically transfer customers to a pay-by-weight charge unless they opt out and choose to remain with their current price arrangements. Greyhound services 250,000 customers in Dublin. What action will the Government take to protect the rights of these customers? Will it insist that Greyhound abides by the agreement reached with the Minister?

Will the Taoiseach support Second Stage of the Banded Hours Contract Bill, which will be taken today during Private Members' time? There must be a problem with the Taoiseach's mail, because Deputy David Cullinane wrote to him a week ago but did not get an answer.

The Government established an expert commission on water charges, the chairperson of which made a series of comments that are unacceptable from the chair of a committee established to independently evaluate water services and water charges. I put it to the Taoiseach that he should ask Joe O'Toole, the chairperson of the commission, to resign.

Comment on this

Deputy Adams, there is a long-standing tradition that during the Order of Business we do not return to matters raised during Leaders' Questions.

Comment on this

On a point of order, how do we get an answer to a very straightforward question?

Comment on this

I am sorry, I cannot help the Deputy.

Comment on this
Enda Kenny The Taoiseach Fine Gael

The Bill proposed by Deputy Cullinane would cause enormous complications if presented in the way he has set out. It would have very serious cost implications for small and large firms. With respect to Deputy Cullinane, his Bill is not acceptable because of the enormous range of difficulties it would create. The Deputy may have good intent, but what is presented in the Bill goes way beyond that in terms of its implications.

I expect that the companies involved in waste collection will abide by the code of conduct and regulations set out by the Minister.

I did call the leaders of the Opposition groups together in respect of the referendum and will do so again and update everybody. The Deputy will have an opportunity to raise the issue about a forum at that point. Was there a further point?

Comment on this

Yes, the expert commission on water charges.

Comment on this
Enda Kenny The Taoiseach Fine Gael

I have already said that Joe O'Toole was an exemplary public servant for many years. He wants an acceptable process to apply with integrity and credibility. I understand that he will issue a statement later in the day.

Comment on this