Waste Management Regulations

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 November 2016

Tuesday, 8 November 2016

Questions (466)

Barry Cowen

Question:

466. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if his Department is currently examining proposals to establish a regulator for the domestic and commercial waste sector; his views on whether the sector is in need of a regulator; the advice he has received from the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission on the establishment of such a regulator; if he will follow this advice; and the approximate cost of establishing such a regulator. [33611/16]

Written answers

Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment

My role as Minister is the maintenance and development of the policy and statutory framework within which the relevant environmental regulatory authorities viz the Environmental Protection Agency, local authorities, the National Waste Collection Permit Office and the National Transfrontier Shipments Office, discharge their respective regulatory and enforcement functions under the Waste Management Acts, in order to ensure that Ireland meets its legal obligations under waste legislation.

I have not received advice from the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission regarding the establishment of a regulator for the waste sector. Notwithstanding the above, as previously stated, a review of the way households are charged for the collection of waste, with a focus on encouraging households to prevent, separate and recycle waste and to reduce residual waste going to landfills, is due to be completed by July next year.