Ms Anne Marie Walshe:

I will try my best. Dr. Walsh may wish to come on some of the Revenue points. In terms of the charges for band 1 properties, as outlined currently band 1 properties are valued between €1 and €100,000. That band is being expanded to up to €200,000. We have been working off average property price increases of in the region of 75%. Properties that have increased by more than 75% in value will remain in band 1 once the value is up to €200,000. The charge attached to the band remains the same at €90. For most people in this band the liability will remain at €90.

On the collection process, as outlined by the Deputy it is a self-assessment process. Revenue has proposed suggested valuations because it does not have other data to work on. It is for the property owner to amend or return what he or she believes an appropriate valuation for his or her property. That is how the system is designed to work.

On the period of notification, I appreciate that it does put councils in a particularly difficult position for this year. Revenue tried to provide information on the projected 2021 yield and some projections in respect of the 2022 yield.

We and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage have always been aware that this will be challenging when conducting evaluations. Until we get the data, it is difficult to make a decision.

Regarding retention and funding, as outlined, our Department does not have a role in that. The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage has indicated that it should be able to implement this decision in an Exchequer-neutral manner. As I outlined, that is a matter for the Department and its Minister.