Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 April 2024
113. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if a scheme has been established whereby persons with medical conditions that result in the generation of high volumes of waste can get relief on their waste charges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17332/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department has been examining this issue in detail for some time and has engaged with a number of relevant public bodies and representative organisations in an effort to see how best to support persons with long-term incontinence with respect to the disposal of medical incontinence wear.
Our national waste policy for period 2020-2025 “A Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy” contains a range of measures to empower households through enhanced consumer protection requirements. It also envisages an enhanced monitoring of the market to ensure continued relative price stability.
My Department is currently working with the National Waste Collection Permit Office 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. The study will also consider methods to support households disposing of medical incontinence products.
