John Kelly (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I call on the Leader to allocate some time for a broad debate on the proposed property tax in advance of any announcements being made on it because we have form here with successive Governments in that issues can be overlooked. When the second home charge was introduced, the first thing property owners were told was that if they paid rates, they would not be liable for the second home charge but it later transpired that if they had a small shop or pub and a couple of rooms above it, they were liable for it. Now we will have a situation where small businesses, small pubs and small shops, with people living above them will have to pay rates on downstairs and property tax on upstairs. Small businesses cannot afford that.

We also need to look at situations where people living in what are perceived to be lavish residences could be in negative equity and on social welfare having lost their jobs. All of these issues should be put into the mix. I call on the Leader to allow a debate in order that we can perhaps make recommendations to the Minister before any announcements.