Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 October 2009
398 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if charges under the Local Government (Charges) Bill 2009 apply to the non-principal private residences of parish priests who live in parochial houses and own their own houses, to ancestral homes owned by members of the Irish diaspora and to houses owned by Irish citizens who own houses in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35489/09]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government has decided to broaden the revenue base of local authorities by introducing in this Act a charge on all non-principal private residences, including private rented accommodation, holiday homes and any other residential property that is not the owner's sole or main residence. The charge has been set at €200 per annum. A person who owns a property in this country which is not his or her main residence is liable for the charge unless otherwise exempt, regardless of in which country he or she normally resides.
