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

The level of compliance with this charge is quite high and people have been responsible in meeting the legal obligations in regard to the second home charge, but we are going to continue the compliance with this legislation for 12 years. However, we are providing an incentive for people for six months in this year whereby they can make arrangements. We have asked local authorities to be as flexible as they can in arrangements.

If people make arrangements, the penalties will stop, the interest will stop and the local authorities will be able to retain the money collected in arrears. I expect local authorities will be incentivised by that. There will be fairly stringent penalties from September onwards, but they will apply for the following 11 years before they cease to exist, and they will be attached to the property in the event of a sale of the property.

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