Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 December 2004
45 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on whether his Department should play a role in helping to offset the cost of waivers given by local authorities to social welfare recipients in lieu of payment of refuse charges. [33465/04]
View answerIssues in relation to the collection of domestic refuse, including the question of waiver schemes, are the responsibility in the first instance of my colleague the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and I understand that the matter is under consideration in that Department at present.
Given the wide variety of existing and proposed arrangements for waste charges, the introduction of a national waiver scheme would present considerable practical difficulties. I am concerned, however, about the effect on social welfare recipients of emerging current trends and I will consult with colleagues on the matter.
