Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 July 2016
338. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he is aware of the current situation with a company (details supplied), whereby customers must now pay a standing charge of €199 per year and that customers now have to pay this money in advance; the Government’s position in respect of this policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22177/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn an open market, it is a matter for a waste collector to set charges at the level they consider to be competitive, in compliance with the requirements of environmental and other applicable legislation. However, since the waste industry began releasing its proposed prices under pay-by-weight last month, the Government has relayed its concern to the industry generally regarding the reported escalation of waste bills for customers of certain companies.
On foot of above, I actively engaged with representatives of the waste industry to agree a way forward that results in customers paying no more than they are currently paying for waste over the next 12 months. The approach agreed with industry is by way of a price freeze to end-June 2017.
The operation of the price freeze by the industry will be closely monitored by Government and, in the event of evidence of the agreement being breached legislation will be brought forward to address the issue. In this regard, my Department has met with representatives of the waste industry and will continue to liaise with operators as necessary with regard to the consistent implementation of the agreement.
