Feargal Quinn (Independent)

How can I follow that? I was interested to read in recent days that the new Greek property tax will be collected with electricity bills. It made me think how inefficient and costly is our tax system. I will give some examples. The Revenue Commissioners collect income tax, the universal service charge, capital gains tax and corporation tax. Local authorities, meanwhile, collect commercial rates, business improvement tax, district taxes, levies and the non-principal residence tax. An Post collects television and dog licence fees, which I am surprised still exist. The Private Residential Tenancies Board collects the residential landlord tax. As regards new taxes, I do not know who will collect water charges or the septic tank charge, if it is introduced. I note that Bord na Móna and others are competing for that tax along with the property tax. The various tax collection systems seem to be highly inefficient. In France, for example, rates are collected with electricity bills. In addition, people who do not have television sets must opt out of the licensing system, rather than opting in. The French system seems to be much more efficient, so perhaps we should examine it. I am raising this matter solely as a subject for discussion at some point. It might be more suitable as an Adjournment matter next week.

I have been a Member of the House for some years and I regularly raise issues on the Order of Business. Last week was the first time that, to the best of my knowledge, I got a reply a couple of days later from the Leader's office concerning something I had raised the previous week. I wish to express my thanks, appreciation and respect for the Leader's action.