Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)

As the Minister stated, the programme for Government refers to a site value tax, water charges and extra local government taxation. Which of these measures does he intend to prioritise for 2010 in the context of local government finances, particularly as there will be an 8% reduction in the local government fund next year? What measures will the Minister prioritise in order to ensure the debts of local authorities can be serviced and their current costs met?

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