Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Question 264: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in relation to the €200 per annum tax on properties other than the family home, if he will consider reducing the current late payment penalty of €20 per month in view of the serious property devaluation and rental difficulties being experienced by many investment property owners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45836/10]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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The Government decided to broaden the revenue base of local authorities through the introduction in the Local Government (Charges) Act 2009 of the charge on non-principal private residences. The charge is set at €200 per dwelling and is being levied and collected by local authorities. A late payment fee of €20 for each month or part of a month the charge remains outstanding is provided for in section 6 of the Act.

While the legislation makes no provision for any waiver of the charge or of any penalties due, section 9 of the Act places collection of the charge under the care and management of the relevant local authority.

I have no plans at present to amend the legislation.