Sinn Féin TD Dessie Ellis has welcomed reports in the media this morning suggest that “Environment Minister Denis Naughten is expected to inform Cabinet today that the proposed scheme for pay-by-weight bin charges is inflexible, and more options need to be looked at”.

Deputy Ellis welcomed this change of heart on behalf of the Government, saying:

“I have been dealing with the confusion and the fear that the pay-by-weight bin charges have raised in households since last summer. The nature of the waste charges structure meant that some customers have to pay twice in one calendar year for a yearly contract and certain companies such as Greyhound led Minister Simon Coveney and their customers on a merry dance in relation to their price plans.

“The issue here is not the pay by weight, but the increase in standing charges that effectively places the majority of working people in a position that they are unable to afford a bin service. Last June, I said that only by annulling the new legislation, which has forced price hikes on waste collection, can fairer systems be established and put into place. It is good to see Minister Naughten heeding that advice. Now to really solve any further issues that will arise around waste management charges, the Minister needs to put waste management back into the hands of the Local Authorities.”

Speaking on Sinn Féin’s Secure Rent Bill, Sinn Féin Deputy Dessie Ellis spoke about how many families and people were under pressure and on the verge of homelessness due to the lack of affordable rent and security of tenure.

The Dublin North West TD said:

“I have couples and  families coming into my office in Dublin North West that are working, that are in good jobs and they cannot afford to keep up with rent increases at the moment they are paying up to 60% of their disposable income on rent and are now in danger of becoming homeless.

“These families are in need of immediate action, not rhetoric from Government. This Bill will do three things for renters. It will provide for rent certainty. It also provides both tenants and landlords with the option of securing longer term leases, providing greater certainty for both parties. Finally, it will remove sale of property as grounds for a landlord to terminate a lease.

“It is unacceptable that the Government and their partners in Fianna Fáil would vote down these proposals that would mean so much to families struggling in the face of these rents.”