Seanad Report: DR Martin Mansergh (FF) said he had great reservations about the proposal in the Protection of the Environment Bill to remove the making of services charges from local representatives to city and county managers.
Contributing to the Second Stage debate on the Bill, Dr Mansergh said that if the public felt that charges were being imposed by people who were not democratically accountable this could lead to a popular movement. "I'd have to say I don't like the principle, and I think it should be looked at again."
Mr Brendan Kenneally (FF) said he was totally against vesting the right to decide on waste charges in council executives. This was a total erosion of democracy.
"I do not think we have yet reached a situation where this change is warranted, and I would urge the Minister to review this element of the measure."
Mr Jim Walsh (FF) said in the current climate of tribunals, vesting powers of this kind in one individual, as against a group, where it was open to public debate, was a weakness.
Introducing the Bill, the Minister, Mr Cullen, said the strengthened provisions in waste and European law underpinned his determination to get tough, and stay tough, on polluting activity.
He said the review, variation and replacement of waste management plans would be functions for local authority managements.
Mr Jim Bannon (FG) said: "If this Bill is passed consumers will be at the mercy of their local county managers who can impose charges at will without consultation or any democratic input."