John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)

I thank the Senators for these amendments, which were discussed yesterday. The Bill provides that income from the charge will accrue to local authorities. This is a new form of local authority income and it is important it is administered effectively and efficiently. I have full confidence that local authorities are well placed to administer and collect the charge and that they will assign sufficient staff and other resources necessary to implement it. A considerable effort has been made by local authorities in preparation for the introduction of the charge and this work is ramping up all the time.

Since the announcement of the charge in the budget a project board established by the County and City Managers' Association has been working behind the scenes in planning and developing the necessary infrastructure to facilitate the charge. The Local Government Computer Services Board has been engaged to design and develop an on-line portal similar to the very successful motor tax on-line system to enable the charge to be paid electronically. This web-based system is at an advanced stage of development and I am assured it will be operational in time to accept payments from a liability date of 31 July next.

Senators will be aware of the success of the motor tax on-line system where more than 50% of motor tax renewals are completed over the Internet. The motor tax on-line system has proved to be a simple and effective way in which renewals of motor tax can be made and I see no reason it would not prove to be as effective in the case of the €200 charge. In addition to the on-line method of payment, the local authorities will also accept payment of the charge locally and this will facilitate persons who do not have access to the Internet. Ample computer facilities are available in libraries throughout the country that can be utilised by persons who do not have personal computers for the payment of motor tax and the €200 charge.

It is clear local authorities have demonstrated their willingness to administer the charge effectively and efficiently given that the income from the charge will accrue to local authorities. As I stated yesterday, I have no doubt they will ensure appropriate resources are put in place to secure the maximum level of compliance with the charge. For these reasons I regret I cannot accept the amendment.