Local Government Charges

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 April 2012

Wednesday, 18 April 2012

Questions (773, 774)

John Lyons

Question:

788 Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if an instalment payment option is being considered under plans for the more progressive property tax due to be introduced from 2013. [17695/12]

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan): I have established an Inter-Departmental Group on Property Tax to consider the structures and modalities for an equitable valuation based property tax. The Group will complete its work and make recommendations to me shortly. Following consideration of the Group’s recommendations, I will bring proposals to Government on the full property tax as soon as possible. It will then be a matter for the Government to decide on the structure and modalities of the full property tax.

John Lyons

Question:

789 Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if consideration is being given under plans for a water tax to those caring for persons with special needs or disabilities who might have greater needs in their usage of water. [17696/12]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan)

The Memorandum of Understanding with the EU/IMF and ECB commits Ireland to introducing water charges for households. The objective of the water metering programme is to install water meters in households connected to the public mains and move to a charging system based on usage above a free allowance. The metering programme will commence prior to the end of 2012.

I expect that the Regulator will address affordability issues, including in respect of persons with medical conditions, in consultation with my Department and the Department of Social Protection in the context of developing a water pricing framework.