Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)

The Tánaiste did not answer on the septic tank charge issue so perhaps we will do a little better on this one, which relates to the household charge. Before Christmas the Minister for Justice and Equality indicated that either new or amending legislation would be brought forward to enable fines to be deducted from citizens' wages or welfare payments. Is such legislation or amending legislation envisaged and if it is, will it be brought forward? It would be an extremely coercive action that would try to force people to pay what is a very unfair and regressive charge. The Minister, Deputy Shatter, indicated at Christmas that this was his intention so will the Tánaiste inform us whether it will happen?

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