I propose to take Questions Nos. 1334 and 1341 together.
The provision by a local authority of a waiver in respect of all or part of a charge in respect of the provision of a waste service by, or on behalf of, that authority is solely a matter for the local authority concerned. However, inconsistencies in the availability of waivers and related issues connected with waste charges have been brought to my Department's attention in discussions with the social partners in the context of the Sustaining Progress special initiatives and, more recently, in the context of the move to pay-by-use charges. This matter is the subject of continuing discussion with the Department of Social and Family Affairs.