David Cullinane (Sinn Fein)

-----with respect, they should not make it that easy for us.

On another point, the whole purpose of this charge is to raise revenue. Why are people being asked to pay this €100? The Government said there was to be no increase in income tax and that an increase in income tax would hurt people. Yet, many people are being asked to pay this €100 charge, which is €2 per week. It is a flat charge and they are not paying for any service or for extra services which will be provided to their homes. They are being taxed €100. It is a €100 tax, or €2 per week.

Just before I came to the Chamber, I took a telephone call from an old age pensioner and homeowner who wanted to know if the charge would apply. The pensioner said that if it is the case, it represents a cut of €2 per week, yet the Government states it is not cutting social welfare.