Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 20 November 2025
215. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the financial supports which have been considered or put in place to assist persons who have significant waste bills due to using incontinence pads to be disposed of; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [64943/25]
View answerThe waste collection market is serviced by competing private companies, where prices charged are matters between those companies and their customers, subject to compliance with all applicable legislation including contract, consumer and competition legislation. The Minister has no power to set prices in a private competitive market.
The Department has, however, engaged with relevant public bodies and representative organisations with respect to the waste disposal costs for incontinence wear. The National Waste Collection Permit Office (NWCPO) has commissioned a study on incentivised charging structures in the waste collection market. This study will also consider mechanisms for supports in relation to households disposing of medical incontinence products based on international practice which will inform further consideration of this matter.
