Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 February 2024
86. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide an update on the reinstitution of the price monitoring group to monitor the cost of residential waste collection to households; his plans to ensure price stability across the sector and prevent price gouging in areas that do not have the option of more than one service provider; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8977/24]
View answerThe waste management market is serviced by private companies, in accordance with the requirements of their waste collection permits as issued by the National Waste Collection Permit Office (NWCPO).
The terms and conditions of contracts, including pricing plans, are matters between those companies and their customers, subject to compliance with all applicable waste and consumer rights legislation. However, in line with commitments given in A Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy, my officials are currently working with the NWCPO to examine whether fair and transparent pricing is consistent in the market and how that information is disclosed to customers.
My officials are also working with the NWCPO to carry out a study on incentivised charging structures in the waste collection market. This study will examine what, if any, improvements are needed to ensure that waste collection systems are fully incentivising waste prevention and improved source segregation practices.
