Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 462: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he is planning to include hardship cases among the waivers for the household charge; if he will direct the interdepartmental group to look at this for the property tax also; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8254/12]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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The Local Government (Household Charge) Act 2011 and the Local Government (Household Charge) Regulations 2012 provide the legislative basis for the household charge.

Under the Act, it is a function of a local authority to collect household charges and late payment penalties due to it and all charges and late payment penalties imposed and payable to a local authority are under the care and management of the local authority concerned. In this regard, application of the legislation 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.

I have recently established an inter-Departmental expert Group to design an equitable property tax having regard to its terms of reference. This Group has been asked to report to me by end April, 2012. I will then bring proposals to Government for decisions on the structure and modalities of the property tax.