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

I am not sure what I said to the Deputy that made him think in any way that I was not making a serious contribution or implying that he does not have some answers to the questions I raise, as I know he does. The net point is still that if this tax was abolished, there would be a decrease in the revenue made available for the Department or local authorities. If this tax was abolished, we would not see the €640 million that would be raised. I acknowledge that for some people there will be a higher tax bill and for many people it will be an unchanged bill that is already difficult to pay. If we abolish the tax, there would be a reduction of €640 million for the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and that ultimately affects the money that local authorities get. It is a key point in the debate.

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