Finian McGrath
Question:471 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will support the issues raised regarding the household charge. [8475/12]
View answerTuesday, 14 February 2012
Questions (426)
Written answers
The Local Government (Household Charge) Act 2011 and the Local Government (Household Charge) Regulations 2012 provide the legislative basis for the household charge.
Citizens and residents of the State are bound by the laws of the State which are enacted by the Oireachtas. This is underscored by the Constitution of Ireland. There is no validity in the suggestion put forward that a person can opt out of a law of the State by not consenting to it. Under the legislation, an owner of a residential property on the liability date of 1 January 2012 is required to make a declaration of liability and to pay the household charge by 31 March 2012, unless otherwise exempted or entitled to claim a waiver. The Act further provides for offences where a person contravenes these statutory requirements.
Question No. 472 answered with Question No. 461.