Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent)

Taxes collected at local level should be used at local level. Removing responsibility for motor taxation, driving licences, payroll and water from local authorities will mean they will have even less to do.

If the household charge was a tax on homes, we would consider it. However, someone who paid 12% stamp duty on a house purchased for €200,000 will pay €25,000 over a 25 year mortgage, which amounts to a household tax of €1,000 per annum. If the Government abolishes stamp duty for principal residences, as is the case in the rest of Europe, the notion of paying a tax on one's home would be fair. There is, however, no comparison between the position here and elsewhere in Europe because Irish people have probably paid more tax on their homes through stamp duty than any other Europeans. If the Government abolishes stamp duty on principal residences, it could be deemed fair to impose a household tax in respect of homes purchased thereafter. However, the current position is definitely not fair.

See this speech in context