Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Will the Taoiseach confirm that the Government will suspend the revaluation of properties for local property tax until, at least, 2020, so that many thousands of families will not face a local property tax bill bombshell next year? There is huge concern out there in terms of the revaluation that is taking place. Media reports demonstrate a growing awareness of the problem across the country. People are beginning to realise they could face crippling property tax bills as house prices have increased dramatically. Dublin based families and urban based families will be particularly hard hit. Perhaps the Taoiseach will indicate when legislation will come forward? The design of the property tax regime was flawed from day one. The link to property prices makes little sense and it takes absolutely no account of people's ability to pay. There is much hardship involved here and I would appreciate clarity in respect of the Government's legislative programme on this issue.

I refer to the Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill, reports today from ALONE and the programme for Government, page six of which states that investment in the supply of more and better care for older people in the community and in residential settings will be a priority of the Government, that additional funding will be provided each year for the care of older people and that funding will go to more residential places, more home care packages and the delivery of home help and other professional community care services. It also refers to the review of the fair deal scheme with a view to developing a secure and equitable system of financing for community and long-term care. None of that has happened. I do not think the review of the fair deal scheme has been published. ALONE and Age Action say that older people are extremely disappointed at not getting the supports they need to allow them stay in their own homes. According to ALONE, about one third of older people who live in nursing homes would be able to live in their own homes if properly supported. At the core of ALONE's proposals is a commitment to introduce a social contract for the elderly, whereby the over 65s could continue to live in their own homes, if possible. Will the Taoiseach indicate, albeit he has only about six months left in this Government-----

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