Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 July 2012
547 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of households that have been contacted about not paying the household charge; and the steps that will be taken on ensuring future payment. [36858/12]
View answerThe Local Government (Household Charge) Act 2011 and the Local Government (Household Charge) Regulations 2012 provide the legislative basis for the household charge.
I am informed that between 2 and 13 July, reminder letters in respect of 101,284 non-compliant addresses were issued by local authorities nationwide. It is intended that a second reminder letter will issue between 7 and 20 August in respect of households that have not paid the charge and a final reminder letter between 10 and 21 September.
The Act places the household charge under the care and management of the local authorities and application of the legislative provisions in particular circumstances is a matter for the relevant local authority. Interpretation of the legislation is a matter for legal advice in individual cases and ultimately a matter for the courts.
