Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The insertion of this new section is disappointing. In sound-bites in the Dáil chamber and outside it on the plinth the Minister and other spokespersons for the Government have over the past number of years trumpeted that the local property tax would be spent on local services. A new corporate entity has now been established. The Government promised to reduce quangos yet this mammy and daddy of all quangos has been created. The Minister is providing in this Bill for the taking of up to €600 million from the Local Government Fund.

Last year, €120 million was taken from the Local Government Fund in respect of debt related activities. How much has been taken from motor taxation receipts this year? What the Minister is proposing by way of this amendment is very troubling. I always pay my car tax.