Dessie Ellis (Dublin North West, Sinn Fein)

I am opposed to the household charge, the way it is being administered and that it does not take account of people's wealth and those who are very wealthy in society. How does the Minister propose to collect the charge from those who have not paid it? He has said that 60% of householders have complied and 40% have not. It is one thing to talk about going to court and placing the burden of this charge on people in terms of the value of the house. Even if the number who comply increases, a large percentage of householders will still not be paying the charge. Therefore, there will be a huge deficit in the money that is needed and that will have to be got from somewhere. From where does the Minister propose to get it?

Can he clarify that the waiver in respect of the charge for senior citizens will only be in place this year? It is very deceptive to say to people that they will have a waiver in respect of the charge when it will only be in place for a year.

The Minister has been reported in the newspapers, and I go by what they say, as having said that he will not take any money out of people's wage packets or otherwise in this respect. I want the Minister to clarify that because sometimes one does not know if what one reads in the newspaper is the truth.

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