Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)

The Minister has completely misinterpreted the motivation behind the amendment. I explained that I was concerned about low income people, particularly single people, with social housing requirements and the case of a large dwelling that is converted into various units, each of which is subject to the €200 charge. I do not advocate the charge being exempt for the case of the multi-unit apartment blocks to which the Minister referred. Nor am I proposing a regressive measure.

Those who have rented or leased HSE assisted dwellings, including those with disabilities, are exempt. Are they exempt altogether? What is the duration of the lease or rent required in that instance to be exempt under the meaning of "residential property" in section 2?

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