Paudie Coffey (Fine Gael)

I move amendment No. 4:

In page 5, line 10, to delete "relevant local authority" and substitute "Revenue Commissioners".

These amendments were tabled on Committee Stage and we had quite a debate on them. The reason for the amendments being tabled is that Fine Gael is concerned local authorities may not have the capability and infrastructure available to them to properly collect all dues under the Bill. We feel the Revenue Commissioners have the ability and capacity to capture all people who might be liable. This is a genuine reason for tabling these amendments.

Yesterday, I stated that I would favour the local authorities collecting the charge but I am concerned about the resources of and data held by the Private Residential Tenancies Board, PRTB, and other such agencies. I am not sure the Bill is as clear or will function as easily as intended in the real world. Issues are raised about data protection and I am not fully convinced at this stage they are fully cleared up. The Bill allows for the transfer of data and registers from the ESB, the PRTB and the Revenue Commissioners to local authorities and I believe functional difficulties will arise in this area. These amendments have been tabled to try to address this and to make the collection and administration easier and less burdensome on local authorities.