Social Welfare Schemes

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 July 2021

Thursday, 8 July 2021

Ceisteanna (155)

Alan Kelly

Ceist:

155. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the social protection supports in place to assist persons requiring the use of incontinence pads and those with carers using personal protection equipment to pay for the cost of the disposal of such items given the large weight which accumulates with their use and consequent higher waste charges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36979/21]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications (Deputy Eamon Ryan)

In relation to personal protective equipment, while the pandemic has resulted in a significant increase in the volume of PPE disposed, particularly in the medical sector, there has not been a similar increase in the weight disposed given the lightweight nature of such material.

In relation to incontinence wear, I refer the Deputy to the reply to Question [31323] of 15 June 2021. The position is unchanged.