Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)

Deputy Collins and I agree there must be financial autonomy as far as possible for the local delivery of services through local government. I am anxious that as many functions as possible in terms of raising money locally for delivery of services to the citizen should be introduced. That is what the household charge is about. It is ringfenced for delivery of local services. It is the same with the more progressive and fairer system of property tax that is being generated in the coming months. That, too, will be applicable to local government services and for their delivery. It is not sustainable that at present we have small businesses supporting in a major way the delivery of local services. It puts them under financial pressure. I want to broaden the tax base in order to ensure we have maintenance of employment at local level and less pressure on local businesses than is the case at present with the collection of commercial rates. I will be looking at all financial opportunities to be ringfenced at local government level, where moneys will be collected and administered by local government for the delivery of those services.

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