Public Service Charges.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 March 2007

Tuesday, 20 March 2007

Questions (213)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

279 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Finance if he will initiate a review of user fees and service charges for essential public services to examine their impact on low income families with a view to bringing forward proposals to reduce the proportion of funding of public services which comes from charges to members of the public who utilise such services. [10455/07]

Written answers

Minister for Finance (Mr. Cowen)

The level at which user fees and service charges, and where appropriate waiver schemes, are applied is primarily a matter for each relevant Department and public body to determine, in accordance with the statutory, administrative and regulatory frameworks that may apply in each case having regard to the nature of the service. The Deputy should raise the matter with the relevant Minister.