Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I recognise the considered views offered by the Deputy in regard to the local property tax, on which she and her office have been corresponding with me for some time. What the Deputy has identified is the issue we have in regard to the local equalisation fund, into which receipts from local property tax flow and are then distributed to local authorities, which without those funds, would have a significant deficit in the funding for their local services. I am aware of the issue raised by the Deputy. It is not a case of any work sitting on a shelf. As I understand it, the Committee on Budgetary Oversight is currently working on a response to the paper I issued in regard to local property tax reform.

This issue can only be considered in light of future changes we make relating to the structure and breadth of local property tax. If we are looking to make progress on the operation of the equalisation fund, it needs to happen when change is being made with regard to the local property tax and at a point at which we look again at the valuation dates for that tax. However, I do not underestimate the complexity and difficulty associated with that change. This is why the Committee on Budget Oversight has been considering my report on this issue for the past number of months and is due to report back on it very soon and to give me its views on how this issue can be progressed.

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