Written Answers Nos. 1014-1033
1014. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of commissions of investigation under the aegis of her Department which have yet to complete and publish their reports; if she will provide a timeframe for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22763/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm to the Deputy that no commissions of investigations have been established under my Department.
1015. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of commissions of investigation established under the aegis of her Department during the term of the current Dáil; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22774/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm to the Deputy that no commissions of investigations have been established under my Department during the term of the current Dáil Éireann.
1016. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding the Electoral Act 1992 and voting rights in respect of the emigrant population (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21311/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraTo be registered to vote a person must be ordinarily resident in a constituency. Provision is made in the Electoral Act 1992 for persons to be deemed to ordinarily resident if they intend to resume residence within eighteen months after giving it up. I have no plans to amend this provision generally. However it may be subject to consideration in the analysis that I am undertaking of the issues that would arise in the extension of the franchise at Presidential elections to citizens resident outside the State.
The Convention on the Constitution recommended in its Fifth Report that the Constitution be amended to give citizens resident outside the State the right to vote in Presidential elections. In considering a response to this recommendation the Government decided that it would be necessary to analyse the full range of issues that would arise in any significant extension of the franchise, before any decision could be made on the holding of a referendum. The Government acknowledges that such an extension of the franchise would be welcomed by many in the diaspora. However, it would be challenging to introduce and to manage, and a range of issues arise for analysis in that context, including policy, legal and practical issues. I am undertaking the necessary analysis in co-operation with the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Minister for Diaspora Affairs.
1017. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding the Leader programme. [21379/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe LEADER element of the Rural Development Programme 2014 – 2020 will provide €250 million in financial resources to rural communities over the next 5 - 6 years. While the LEADER allocation for the 2014-2020 Programme is less than the value of the LEADER element of 2007 – 2013 Programme, I am confident that within the confines of the fiscal environment we have experienced in the recent past, the Government has allocated the maximum amount possible to support the LEADER elements of the 2014-2020 programme and in this context it is not proposed to increase the co-financing rate at this time.
The €250 million funding available, coupled with the Government’s drive to increase coordination at a local level and the commitment to the delivery of the recommendations in the Report of the Commission on the Economic Development of Rural Areas (CEDRA), will ensure that the impact of the funding will be maximised to support the sustainable development of our rural communities.
Indeed, I recently announced the launch of the Rural Economic Development Zones (REDZ) pilot scheme, one of the most important CEDRA recommendations. A total of €2 million is being made available under this scheme, which I envisage will fund up to 18 pilot projects on a regional and county basis. The pilot scheme is open to all local authorities in cooperation with their relevant REDZ communities. My Department has finalised the scheme criteria and I am encouraging all interested communities to engage with their local authorities with a view to submitting an application.
Regarding the allocation of funding under the Leader elements of the Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, it is the responsibility of the Member State to “define criteria for the selection of community led local development strategies”. In this context,€220 million of the overall LEADER programme complement for the 2014-2020 period has been allocated based on administrative or county boundaries to 28 sub-regional areas. I have no proposals to change this approach.
A further €10 million has been allocated to the cooperation element of the Programme. €15 million has been allocated for the delivery of two agri-food schemes which will be managed jointly by the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine and my Department. In addition, €5 million is being held in reserve for the purposes of supporting the REDZ initiative, pending the successful outcome of the pilot scheme launched recently.
1018. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide support to the National Firefighters Association regarding the pension levy (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21546/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra1065. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the reason the pension levy is attached to the wages of retained fire officers, in view of the fact that they have no entitlement to a pension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22011/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1018 and 1065 together.
In 2008, retained fire-fighters were given the option of joining the Local Government Superannuation Scheme (LGSS) and receive a pension and retirement lump sum based on their pensionable remuneration and length of service. Retained fire-fighters who opted not to join the scheme receive, on retirement, a gratuity of 1/8th of the annual retainer multiplied by the number of years of actual service (up to a maximum of four times the annual retainer). All retained fire-fighters appointed after 1 January 2013 must join the Single Public Service Pension Scheme.
The Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2009 states that any public servant who is a member of a public service pension scheme, is entitled to a benefit under such a scheme, or receives a payment in lieu of membership of such a scheme, is subject to a deduction from their remuneration. Additional pension benefits do not arise as a result of this deduction.
The payment of the retirement gratuity to retained firefighters who are not members of the LGSS is a payment in lieu of membership of a pension scheme and, as such, all retained fire-fighters, whether members of a public service pension scheme or not, are subject to the deduction outlined in the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2009. Responsibility for this legislation rests with my colleague, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.
1019. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will support a matter (details supplied) regarding housing alterations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22007/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department provides funding to local authorities for various social housing supports, including for adaptations and extensions to the social housing stock to meet the needs of local authority tenants with a disability or to address serious overcrowding. Funding provided by my Department meets 90% of the cost of the works, with each local authority providing the remaining 10%.
On 28 May 2015, I announced funding of €11m for such local authority house adaptations and extensions. Dublin City Council received an allocation of Exchequer funding of €984,061, a significant increase on the equivalent allocation in 2014 of €446,161. The administration of this funding locally is a matter for each local authority, including decisions in relation to the projects to be implemented.
1020. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the co-operation on climate change issues that has been progressed between the Irish and British Governments, arising from the joint statement in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22303/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Irish and British Governments engage on a regular basis on climate policy matters in the context of EU business, at both the European Council, which the Taoiseach attends, and in the Environment formation, which I attend. In particular, both Governments share a strong position in support of a progressive EU policy response to climate change and pro-active EU leadership in the international process under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
In addition, at an official level, my Department engages on a regular basis with its counterparts in Britain and Northern Ireland on climate change-related dossiers being considered either nationally and/or at an EU level.
1021. Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when approval will be granted to tender for the construction of housing units for homeless people (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22384/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraPre- tender budget proposals are currently been considered by my Department and a decision on this matter should be made shortly.
1022. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding the review of the Building Control (Amendment) Regulations 2014 (SI No. 9); if the requirements for statutory certification created by SI 9 can be eased in order that, in the case of new build, single dwellings certification is made advisory rather than mandatory; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21254/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra1032. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when the report by his Department on the public consultation and review of the operation of the Building Control (Amendment) Regulations 2014 (SI 9) will be finalised and published. [21415/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1022 and 1032 together.
Prior to the Building Control (Amendment) Regulations 2014 (S.I. No. 9 of 2014) coming into effect on 1 March 2014, the then Minister signalled the intention to review their effectiveness following their first twelve months of operation. This review is now underway.
Concerns highlighted in relation to the cost impact on one-off housing and extensions to existing houses enabled my Department to give preliminary consideration to this issue in advance of the formal review of SI No. 9 of 2014. Accordingly, the documentation released for public consultation included Information Note No. 2 – New Single Dwellings (including Self-Build) and extensions to existing dwellings, setting out a number of options in relation to addressing the impact of SI No. 9 of 2014 on single dwellings and on extensions to dwellings. A copy of this information note is still available on my Department’s website at the following weblink:
http://www.environ.ie/en/Publications/DevelopmentandHousing/BuildingStandards/FileDownLoad,41032,en.pdf
It is important to balance concerns in relation to the cost impact of SI No. 9 of 2014 with the need for strong regulatory controls to ensure that home owners are assured of the safety, quality and durability of their home and for this reason the pros and cons of each option were clearly set down, together with a number of questions aimed at identifying clearly the views of respondents.
The public consultation phase of the review concluded on 15 May 2015. Some 170 submissions have been received and are currently being considered by my Department. A report on the key concerns raised during the review and the recommended course of action for addressing these concerns will be completed by end June 2015 with a view to ensuring that any changes deemed appropriate will be effected as a matter of priority.
1023. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he is aware of a planning application by a United States of America company for a private for-profit gasification plant at Gortnadroma in County Limerick, in the context of outstanding health and safety concerns regarding such processes; if this should be permitted here; his plans regarding same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21265/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAny application for planning permission for the type of development mentioned will be considered by the relevant planning authority, Limerick County Council, under the Planning and Development Act 2000 and associated Regulations, which include a requirement for public consultation, and for consultation with prescribed bodies. These bodies include the Health Service Executive and the Health and Safety Authority, in appropriate circumstances.
The decision of a planning authority on a planning application is appealable to An Bord Pleanála, who, in determining an appeal, reviews the entire case.
This matter is therefore one for the planning authority concerned, or An Bord Pleanála in the event of an appeal, and I have no role in relation to the matter.
1024. Deputy Anthony Lawlor asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans for the development of a civic amenity site in north Kildare to provide adequate recycling services for the large towns and growing population of the constituency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21279/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn accordance with the provisions of the Waste Management Act 1996, the preparation and adoption of a waste management plan, including in respect of infrastructure provision, is the statutory responsibility of the local authority or authorities concerned, and under section 60(3) of the Act I am precluded from exercising any power or control in relation to the performance by a local authority, in particular circumstances, of a statutory function vested in it.
Notwithstanding that, prior to the closure of the Waste Recycling Capital Grants Scheme under the NDP 2007-2013 on 12 September 2012 and the earlier Scheme from 2000-2006, my Department provided Capital Grant assistance to Local Authorities for the development of waste recycling infrastructure. Projects developed under the Schemes included bring banks, composting facilities, materials recovery facilities, civic amenity sites and biological treatment facilities.
These schemes have contributed to the development of waste recycling infrastructure in Ireland which, in the period from 2001 to 2010, saw the number of Civic Amenity Facilities rise from 53 to 107 and the number of Bring Banks rise from 1,436 to 1,922. The latest data available from the National Waste Report 2012 shows that the number of Civic Amenity Sites in the State has now reached 118, two of which are in County Kildare.
As you may be aware, pressures on the Environment Fund due to falling revenues have increased steadily in recent years, requiring significant reductions in funding provision. Equally, increases to the rate of the landfill levy have succeeded in diverting significant volumes of waste from landfill. While this is delivering the appropriate environmental outcomes, when taken together with reduced plastic bag usage and associated reductions in plastic bag levy income, it presents very serious financial challenges for the Fund. Regrettably therefore, there is no funding available at present for capital expenditure on recycling facilities.
1025. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the way Galway City Council could issue a letter to allow a member of the public, who had been incorrectly removed from the register of electors, to vote without being on the register, while many other councils, including Tipperary County Council, could not issue a similar letter to persons who were also wrongly removed from the register; his views on the fact that some members of the public were granted a vote on the day of the referendum, while others were not; if he has concerns for the democratic process as a result of this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21300/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn law, the preparation of the Register of Electors is a matter for each local authority as a registration authority. It is their duty to ensure, as far as possible and with the cooperation of the public, the accuracy and comprehensiveness of the Register. Section 111(1) of the Electoral Act 1992, as applied to the taking of a poll at a referendum by section 32 of the Referendum Act 1994, provides that only a person whose name is on the register of presidential electors for the time being in force for a constituency is entitled to vote at a referendum in that constituency. There is no provision in law for making changes to the register of electors at a polling station.
1026. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding climate change, the national policy position and definition of low-carbon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21309/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraPreparatory work is well underway in developing Ireland’s first National Mitigation Plan (NMP) in anticipation of the enactment of the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Bill 2015. Development of the NMP is being guided by a long-term vision of low-carbon transition which is based on the following ambition as set out in the National Policy Position, published in April 2014:
- an aggregate reduction in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions of at least 80% (compared to 1990 levels) by 2050 across the electricity generation, built environment and transport sectors, and
- in parallel, an approach to carbon neutrality in the agriculture and land-use sector, including forestry, which does not compromise capacity for sustainable food production.
In developing the NMP, it will be important to consider the annual calculations concerned in respect of emissions reductions over the long term and to assess what is the optimum methodology for doing so. In accordance with the provisions of the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Bill 2015, I must also, together with my colleagues in Government, take account of the need to achieve the objectives of the NMP at the least cost to the national economy and adopt measures that are cost-effective. The NMP will therefore have a strong focus on mapping out the least-cost pathway to achieve the ambition levels set out in the National Policy Position and our obligations under the EU’s 2009 Effort Sharing Decision.
In this context, during 2013, my Department commissioned the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) and the Environmental Research Unit of University College Cork (UCC) to provide technical advice and guidance on the development of a low carbon roadmap for Ireland, with the aim of achieving transition to a low carbon, climate resilient and environmentally sustainable economy in the period up to and including the year 2050. The UCC/ESRI work focussed on delivering least-cost pathways to two possible interpretations of the long-term transition objective. These were 80% and 95% reductions of the aggregated carbon dioxide emissions for three of the key sectors specified in the National Policy Position, i.e. electricity generation, transport and built environment sectors. This analysis has provided important input to the preparatory work already underway in the context of developing the NMP.
Delayed emissions reductions are detrimental to the environment as environmental damage must be considered in the context of emissions over time, rather than emissions at a point in time. For this reason, it is imperative that early, cost-effective action is taken and the NMP plan is being developed on this basis in line with provisions in relation to early action set out in the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Bill 2015.
As a party to the UNFCCC, Ireland fully intends to comply with its international obligations. The Climate Action and Low-Carbon Development Bill 2015 is unequivocal on compliance with obligations of the State under existing and future international agreements to which the State becomes a party.
1027. Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of air quality monitoring sites; their locations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21335/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra1028. Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of air quality monitoring sites that have the capability of detecting Particulate Matter 2.5 and Particulate Matter 10; their locations; the number doing so at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21336/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra1029. Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the reason not all air quality monitoring sites are detecting Particulate Matter 2.5 and Particulate Matter 10; if he will inform Dáil Éireann if this was always the case; if not, the reason this policy change came about; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21337/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1027, to 1029, inclusive, together.
To protect our environment, EU Directives set out air quality standards for a wide variety of pollutants. The current standards are contained in the 2008 Clean Air for Europe (CAFE) Directive (Directive 2008/50/EC) and the Fourth Daughter Directive (Directive 2004/107/EC of 15 December 2004 relating to arsenic, cadmium, nickel and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in ambient air). These Directives also include rules on how Member States should monitor, assess and manage ambient air quality.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is tasked with co-ordinating and managing this monitoring programme. Ireland is divided into four zones for the monitoring and assessment of ambient air quality, with a nationwide network of 31 monitoring stations, measuring levels of air pollutants in the zones and delivering this information to the public in near real-time at www.airquality.epa.ie.
The zones in place in Ireland in 2015 are the Dublin conurbation (Zone A), the Cork conurbation (Zone B), 23 large towns with a population >15,000 (Zone C) and the remaining area of Ireland (Zone D). A table listing the 31 monitoring sites and those which measure PM10 and PM2.5 is included as follows.
The numbers and locations of the monitoring equipment for each pollutant listed as follows, which includes particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), are determined by the requirements of the Directives for ambient air monitoring in each zone: sulphur dioxide; nitrogen dioxide and oxides of nitrogen; carbon monoxide; ozone; particulate matter – PM10 and PM2.5; benzene and volatile organic compounds (VOCs); heavy metals – lead, arsenic, cadmium, nickel and mercury; polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH); elemental carbon/organic carbon (EC/OC) as part of PM2.5 speciation; and anions and cations as part of PM2.5 speciation.
Particulate matter is harmful to health and it is accepted among health officials that exposure to PM10 and PM2.5 should be reduced. In cities, traffic emissions are the main source of particulate matter while in smaller towns emissions from domestic solid fuel combustion dominate. The air quality in cities benefits from the ban on smoky coal, as well as the increased use of gas. The monitoring of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) is carried out at a representative number of monitoring locations in each of the four zones and meets the requirements of the CAFE Directive - it is not necessary to monitor for particulates at all 31 stations.
In April 2013, the EPA launched Ireland’s new Air Quality Index for Health (AQIH). This web-based index, developed in conjunction with the Health Service Executive, Met Éireann and my Department, displays the current air quality across Ireland, by means of a coloured scale of 1 – 10, divided into four bands (good, fair, poor and very poor), with health advice provided for each band. The AQIH is calculated hourly and is represented on a colour- coded map of Ireland, which the public can view at www.airquality.epa.ie and can easily assess information about current air quality in their area. The pollutants included in the index are: ozone; nitrogen dioxide; sulphur dioxide; PM10; and PM2.5. To coincide with the launch of the Air Quality Index for Health, the EPA also launched a Twitter channel, @EPAAirQuality, through which the public can receive tweets on the status of air quality in their region every day.
The EPA is currently preparing a draft national ambient air monitoring programme under Section 65 of the Environmental Protection Agency Act 1992 (as amended), which will provide the basis and options for the continued development and expansion of the national ambient air monitoring network. The development of the national ambient air monitoring programme will include a review of the adequacy of the current network for both determining compliance with European and national standards for air quality and for the provision of information to the public about local air quality.
|
Air Quality Monitoring Station |
PM10 |
PM2.5 |
|
Ennis, Co. Clare |
Yes |
Yes |
|
South Link Road, Cork |
Yes |
- |
|
Heatherton Park, Cork |
Yes |
- |
|
Ballyfermot, Dublin |
Yes |
- |
|
Blanchardstown, Dublin |
Yes |
- |
|
Clonskeagh, Dublin |
- |
- |
|
Coleraine Street, Dublin |
- |
Yes |
|
Davitt Road, Dublin |
Yes |
- |
|
Dun Laoghaire, Dublin |
Yes |
- |
|
Finglas, Dublin |
- |
Yes |
|
Marino, Dublin |
- |
Yes |
|
Phoenix Park, Dublin |
Yes |
- |
|
Rathmines, Dublin |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Rosemount |
- |
- |
|
St Annes Park, Dublin |
Yes |
- |
|
Swords, Dublin |
- |
- |
|
Tallaght, Dublin |
Yes |
- |
|
Winetavern Street, Dublin |
Yes |
- |
|
Bodkin Road, Galway |
Yes |
- |
|
Mace Head, Co. Galway |
- |
- |
|
Valentia, Co. Kerry |
- |
- |
|
Kilkenny, Co. Kilkenny |
- |
- |
|
Emo, Co. Laois |
- |
- |
|
Portlaoise, Co Laois |
Yes |
- |
|
Shannon Estuary, Co. Limerick |
- |
- |
|
Longford, Co. Longford |
- |
Yes |
|
Castlebar, Co. Mayo |
Yes |
|
|
Claremorris, Co. Mayo |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Kilkitt, Co. Monaghan |
Yes |
- |
|
Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford |
Yes |
- |
|
Bray, Co. Wicklow |
- |
Yes |
1030. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if it is acceptable that waste companies can charge by weight, without providing proof of weight of each bin by way of a receipt, which is common in other countries, where a print-out of the weight of each bin is stuck to the empty bin; if this should be a requirement for bin companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21344/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder Section 33 of the Waste Management Act 1996, a local authority is required to collect, or arrange for the collection of waste within its functional area. Almost all local authorities have now exited the waste collection market.
Collection of waste by a private operator is subject to compliance with applicable environmental and other relevant legislation, primarily the Waste Management Act 1996 and conditions attached to each waste collector’s collection permit issued under the Waste Management (Collection Permit) Regulations 2007. Waste collection in individual local authority areas may also be subject to local bye-laws, and enforcement of waste legislation, a waste collection permit condition or a waste bye-law is a matter for the relevant local authority.
As Minister, I am specifically precluded under section 60(3) of the Waste Management Act 1996, from exercising any power or control in relation to the performance by the Agency or a local authority, in particular circumstances, of a statutory function vested in it. My role as Minister in terms of waste management is to provide the legislative and policy framework under which waste management enforcement authorities work.
Charging and billing arrangements are a matter for service providers and their customers, subject to consumer protection requirements. However, as part of the introduction of a radical and comprehensive new regulatory framework to reform the regulation of the collection of household waste in 2015, I intend to introduce measures to require collectors to have a customer charter in place and to meet certain minimum standards of customer service, such as specified frequencies of collection, and information to be provided to households. In addition, I will be setting out in law what the minimum content of these customer charters will be, so that standards of service are raised and are consistent. It will also become a statutory requirement for all collectors to operate the “pay-by-weight” system as a condition of their permit.
The regulation of weighing mechanisms used to determine weight-based waste collection charges is the responsibility of the National Standards Authority of Ireland and queries in this regard should be directed to that body.
1031. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide, in tabular form, on a county basis, the amount of money each council has in reserves, under Part V social affordable legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21369/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested is currently being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible. The most up-to-date balances, broken down by local authority, will reflect the position as at 31 December 2013.
1033. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to introduce a bin waiver scheme. [21433/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAmong the measures included in the Government’s waste policy, A Resource Opportunity - Waste Management Policy in Ireland, which was published in July 2012, was the establishment of an interdepartmental working group to report to Government with options to minimise the impact of waste charges on low- income households.
The working group, which comprises representatives of my Department and the Departments of Social Protection; Public Expenditure and Reform; Finance; and the Tánaiste's Office, submitted its second report to Government in July 2013. Government considered the report and, given the complexity of the issues involved, including the fact that the vast majority of households have moved away from local authority collection and have engaged private waste collectors on whom it would be difficult to impose any obligation to provide a waiver system, mandated the working group to continue to examine the issue, with a view to submitting a third report to Government in due course.
Given that the vast majority of local authorities no longer collect waste and that the market is now serviced by a diverse range of private operators, where the fees charged and services offered vary across the country, it is becoming increasingly apparent that introducing a national waiver scheme in the context of an open market for waste collection would be highly complex.
