John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)

I thank Deputies Ferris and Ó Snodaigh. From my speech on Second Stage the House will be aware that I have considerable sympathy with the view that the determination of the charge should be devolved to local authorities in the future. I see this power being exercised as a reserve function within certain limits that the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government would determine. For 2009, local authorities will concentrate on securing the maximum yield from the charge, not to mind embarking on a process of considering the level of the charge. I have made it clear that I may revisit the basis on which the charge operates but I want to consult Members and see what the Commission on Taxation has to say on the future of financing local government before making any further decisions. I made that clear on Second Stage. For these reasons I am not disposed to devolve powers to local authorities to determine the level of the charge at this time but I will keep the matter under review.

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