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

To bring to life the figures and move them beyond percentages, the overall number of properties that accessed the deferral option was between 11,800 and 12,500, so it is indeed a low number.

The Deputy made a point about the ability for LPT to be varied upward by 25%. One of the things I have learned from watching how this tax operates is this. I believe 25 out of 30 local authorities have increased their LPT beyond the base rate, but the average level of increase is 9%, which is a fair bit below the 15%. Many local authorities, many of which are governed by coalitions between our two parties, have been successful in persuading voters that paying a bit more can lead to better services and amenities within their community. I know the Deputy appreciates that. That is why we put in place the change of going up by 25%. I will take on board the point he made and I hope the change in the income thresholds will be of some help to those who find this difficult.

See this speech in context