Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)

The provisions of section 7(3) to (7) came in for some comment on Committee Stage in the Upper House. These provisions deal with circumstances where a person who is the sole owner of a residential property dies and, at the time of his or her death, household charges and late payment fees and interest were due and unpaid. It was suggested that upon an owner's death, such unpaid charges and late payment penalties should cease to exist. I want to take this opportunity to outline to this House why these provisions are included in the Bill.

In the interest of equity, it would be grossly unfair to those households who discharge their liability for the household charge to allow for unpaid charges to be waived upon death for those who did not fulfil their obligations under the law while alive.

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