James Bannon (Fine Gael)

From a public interest viewpoint, I want to ensure that no further stealth taxes will be introduced under this legislation. A total of 57 stealth taxes have been introduced by the Government since it took office. Is there a mechanism in this legislation for introducing other forms of taxation? That is of concern because most of the people who will be affected are paying very heavy rates at the moment. Some local authorities strike higher rates than others. It is important to have balance and perhaps there should be some Government assistance towards the implementation of this legislation by way of a grant, subsidy or whatever to local authorities.