Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

It will compensate for the supply of water and provision of sewage treatment facilities to those houses. It will give a marvellous boost to local authorities which will be responsible for collecting it. I will be affected by that tax but I welcome it because it will be worthwhile and will give some support to areas. Water, sewage treatment facilities, roads and lighting are provided in most areas and no contribution is being made to the local authorities for them. It is very important the Minister ring-fences that money.

The 1% levy does not apply to social welfare recipients, contrary to what is being alleged. I have listened to the radio all day but no one has made that point. The 1% levy on income up to €100,000 and 2% over €100,000 excludes social welfare payments and contributory and non-contributory pensions.