Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

In preparing for my contribution on this debate, I reflected on the passage of the legislation which gave effect to the household charge one year ago. Dire predictions were made at that time by certain Deputies, some of whom augured or even advocated mass civil disobedience. Nobody in any government of which I am aware would desire to introduce a new tax, but it has to be done if we are to comply with the memorandum of understanding which was negotiated by our predecessors.

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