In June 2017, the then Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Deputy Naughten, announced changes to the waste charges regime in place. He said he would also introduce an annual support of €75 for persons with lifelong and long-term medical incontinence to be rolled out by the end of 2017. Some 19 months later, there is nothing in place for people in these horrendous circumstances. I spoke recently to one individual affected whose waste collection company has introduced pay-for weight charges. Her charges jumped from €7 a lift up to €15. The proposed €75 support is minuscule and needs to be larger. Will the Taoiseach give a commitment as to when this support will be introduced?

The implementation of this measure has run into significant administrative difficulties, including data protection issues. Discussions are going on between my Department and the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection with a view to finding a way of paying it. We hope to be in a position to make an announcement on it shortly.