Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

I am reminiscing about the days I spent abroad. It is appropriate that the House recognise this great week and I wish everyone present a happy St. Patrick's Day. I also wish all our Ministers abroad great success in attracting industry and tourism to Ireland.

I ask the Deputy Leader to arrange for the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Hogan, to come to the House next week to clarify a matter regarding the household charge of €100 per house. Yesterday, Senator Jimmy Harte referred to legal advice provided by a solicitor indicating that a question mark hangs over the legality of the charge. It has been brought to my attention that a misleading document circulating on the Internet may be the same document to which the Senator referred. A reputable firm of solicitors, McCann FitzGerald, associated with the document has issued a statement that it had no hand, act or part in regard to it. It is important that this be clarified because the name was used and abused by somebody purporting this was advice given by that firm of solicitors, which is absolutely inaccurate. Whatever one thinks about the charge, the legislation was passed by this House and the Dáil and signed by the President. It is not being challenged other than on the basis that it was not published in the Irish language. The document in circulation which has been brought to my attention is misleading. I am glad McCann FitzGerald has issued this statement clarifying the matter because it was associated with the document.

I ask the Minister to extend the deadline for the payment of the charge until the end of April because people are encountering great difficulty in securing the form. Many people do not have access to the Internet to complete it. It would be a good idea, therefore, for the Minister to examine the matter and come to the House to clarify the issues raised by Senator Jimmy Harte yesterday.