Anthony Lawlor (Kildare North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I wish to support Deputy Michael McGrath’s point on the local property tax. It is something that has come up in my area, in particular post-2016. While the issue might not be addressed in the Bill, I hope the Minister could examine the issue as people are concerned they will receive large property tax bills in 2017. Could the Minister consider the introduction of a cap on the level of local property tax paid or a change in the band ratings? Another option would be to give the power back to local authorities, which have the power to reduce the tax by 15%. We always say we would like to give councillors a bit more power.

If something could be done to empower local councils to decide for themselves whether a cap is required, this would be important in the case of my constituency and those on the east coast and in larger towns around the country.

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