Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I fully understand that local authorities can increase the rate. We all understood that and perhaps it is a point of detail in the legislation. However, we did not understand that it was kicking in for local authorities by September of next year. Of course it is in the legislation if Ms Feehily says so. However, I do not believe the public has been made aware of it. They have concentrated everything on the valuation. Every debate that people have had, apart from those on the payment method and date, is related to the value they put on their houses. In fact, one can put whatever value one wishes on a house but the local authority has the authority to change how much a person must pay come next September. I am simply saying that has not come into the public consciousness yet.