Brian Ó Domhnaill (Fianna Fail)

I agree with Senator Burke on the pressures being borne by businesses that are paying commercial rates at the moment, and the need for a real debate on that issue in conjunction with the household charge issue. That is why it is imperative for the Minister to come to the House today to discuss both issues.

The household charge issue is a chaotic shambles. It has been dreadfully handled by the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government. The Minister, who was so arrogant when he was here during the debates on the household charge and the septic tank issue, has now been shown that we were right in what we were saying, which is that the people would not accept the road he was going down. An extension of the period for paying the household charge is required. The Minister should listen, because people should not be criminalised after next Saturday when they are not in a position to pay. The Minister should give an extension, explain to the people where the money is going to go and bring about the ability to pay clauses or criteria where those who genuinely cannot afford to pay, do not have to pay.

There are people who are saying that they will not pay, such as some Deputies and perhaps even some Senators. They say that they will not pay the household charge and they are telling others not to pay it. They are telling other people to break the law. That is not right. How can somebody who is earning €92,000 say he or she is not going to pay the household charge and tell another individual earning €10,000 not to pay it as well?