Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)

I thank the Minister of State and I appreciate it.

I ask the Minister to indicate in his summation the other exemptions he will examine. I agree with Senator Landy on OAPs, the unemployed, people with medical cards, those in negative equity and people in receipt of family income supplement. The comments of the Minister of State on the amendments we will table on Committee Stage will frame our decision on how to proceed on Second Stage.

I agree our tax base needs to be broadened and with some of the other comments made on the Government side. We all want the tax to be fair and agree it is not because it is currently a flat charge which does not take valuations or income into account. The NPPR system has worked quite well. It is important that taxes go to local authorities, as the Minister of State knows, because it ensures they are answerable to their citizens and the service they provide. Many of us are aware of instances where it is way below the mark.

I have been asked by people in north Dublin to raise the issue. They want to know if the tax of €100 goes to Fingal County Council. The Bill does not confirm the tax goes directly to local authorities. I have an issue with that.