Most people who had opted for the pay-by-weight model for bin charges did not want to switch back, Minister for Housing Simon Coveney told the Seanad.

“They see the benefits of it,’’ he added. “They have been encouraged and have willingly adopted the different approach towards waste management that involves separation at source in the home.’’

However, he said there were genuine concerns about pay- by-weight among all parties and Independents.

Mr Coveney was replying to a Sinn Féin motion calling for the annulment of the statutory instrument governing the regulation of bin collection.

The Minister said the regulation was designed to ensure there was a response if people were stepping out of line in the waste industry.

Level playing field

“That is what this regulation is about, enforcing the rules and ensuring there is a level playing field for everybody,’’ he added.

Mr Coveney said those were the facts rather than the emotion that surrounded the waste industry.

There was also a provision relating to the automatic review of waste collection permits that could lead to them being amended or revoked, he said.

It was to ensure there was not a cowboy approach to waste collection, he added.

“If you choose to annul the statutory instrument, there are consequences to that,’’ said Mr Coveney.

Sinn Féin Senator Pádraig Mac Lochlainn said the issue was a complete mess. The Minister knew he should have withdrawn the statutory instrument, he added

“We have another case of last-minute panic as he seeks to sort out the issue,’’ he said.