Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)

I thank the Senator for tabling the amendment. The Minister recognises that introducing this waiver could have the unintended effect of households in less problematic unfinished estates seeking to have their estate classified as category 3 or 4. This would potentially impact on the Government's priority target of reducing the number of such estates. In addition, there may also be pressure to extend such a waiver to estates which have not yet been taken in charge by local authorities. The Government's priority is to address the needs of these estates as quickly as possible.

In addition, the household charge is an interim measure while the legislation is in preparation and the assessment being made in the context of the property tax which will be introduced. It will be replaced in the short term by a full property tax. This is expected to take place in advance of the 2015 date proposed by the Senator.

In these circumstances I cannot accept the amendment but I thank the Senator for it. I agree with Senator Keane on the point that the definition she is seeking would be clear to everyone.