Robert Dowds (Dublin Mid West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

We need to be deeply conscious of the fact that a high proportion of our population is either unemployed or affected by unsustainable debt. For this reason, deferrals of property tax for certain categories of people are essential. I welcome the deferral system, as laid out in Part 12 of the Bill. However, I ask the Minister to examine this again because there are inadequate provisions for those in serious mortgage arrears. We cannot get blood out of a stone. I support the Minister's not applying property tax for the first three years after the purchase of a house by a first-time buyer.

An issue arises regarding social housing. I suggest that all social housing, whether controlled by local authorities or housing associations, be valued in the lowest band. In other words, one would pay €90 for a full year, thus easing the operation of housing associations and the burden on low-income tenants.

We must ensure balance across urban and rural areas. I will not make my points on this matter because I largely concur with the remarks of Deputy Kevin Humphreys on the subject.

There are two sections on which I want to focus, section 20 and section 157. There is a case for considering a greater local adjustment factor than that of approximately 15%, for the reasons alluded to by Deputy Kevin Humphreys. I ask the Minister to consider whether a 25% local adjustment factor might be more appropriate given the considerable gap between certain rural and urban areas. I say this although I accept we must have some equalisation measure.

It is very important that the proportion of the property tax that will go directly to the local authority be written down in black and white. In the Minister's speech, he referred to the Thornhill report and to 65%. Why is this not written into the legislation? I suggest the figure be higher than 65%. I ask the Minister to consider this seriously. To have this legislation accepted, it must be seen as fair. As presented, I do not consider it fair in regard to the division between urban and rural areas.

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