Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)

I will not develop any method. My methodology is to ensure people understand the law and understand they are liable for this charge and have to pay it. The late payment interest will be 1% per month and late payment fees will apply in the case of a household charge. If the Deputy is advocating that people should not pay, he is telling them that they should pay late payment fees and mount up a bill on top of the €100 charge.

With regard to Deputy Daly's question, people do not pay until they have to and they will have to pay by the end of this month.

With regard to Deputy Mulherin's question, I have advocated to the local authorities that they take legal tender. I am developing a system with An Post whereby it will supply the household charge forms. People will have access to them in the next few days, hopefully next week, and can pay through that methodology, particularly the elderly community in rural areas.

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