Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I reject the Short Title of the Bill, Finance (Local Property Tax) Bill 2012, because this is, in fact, a home tax. In the current economic crisis this unjust tax is unacceptable for householders. As a result, I will be voting against this legislation. In the past, when he was just a Deputy, the Taoiseach said it was morally unjust and unfair to tax a person's home. Now he has done another U-turn.

The average householder is being hammered. Austerity is not working and it is bad for many young families in negative equity. During the week one constituent asked me why he had to pay a property tax when he was already paying other taxes. He outlined some of his other payments such as an annual refuse collection charge of €312, an estate management fee of €179, the television licence fee of €160 and a health insurance premium of €1,200, all of which come to €1,842 per year which is paid out of moneys already taxed. The Government will run the country into the ground unless it accepts the reality that one cannot tax or cut one's way out of recession, as has been proved across the world in different economies.

The Government is squandering taxpayers' money by pushing through excessive salaries for its advisers. However, families of people with disabilities have been hammered through the cut to the respite care grant, while poor families have suffered a cut of €10 to child benefit. Now the Government is bringing in a home tax.

Respond!, the housing association which provides 5,200 units of accommodation nationally, has slammed the legislation which will impose a local property tax on social housing organisations. It believes the tax will jeopardise the future of many of the housing charities across the country that provide accommodation for low-income and vulnerable families. It believes the move is short-sighted and could have long-term negative consequences for the future of social housing.

How dare the Government impose this tax on the people? People have already paid a property tax through stamp duty in the past 20 years. How dare anyone opposite claim this is connected to a wealth tax?

In recent weeks other measures to bring in extra revenue for the State have been proposed. Even some of the Government's backbenchers agree with some of the proposals made. I will be voting against this legislation and call on all Deputies to reject this unjust and unfair home tax.

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