Terry Brennan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

That will be no problem. Yesterday I asked in the Minister's absence about the collection of the property tax. The question was not answered yesterday. People may wish to pay by way of deferred payments, perhaps on a monthly basis. Who will do the collecting? Will it be existing staff in the Revenue Commissioners or will new staff be taken on? Will jobs be created?

Yesterday I referred to three public representatives from Northern Ireland, two of whom I met in the Houses yesterday. One lives in an affluent part of Belfast and pays almost £2,000 in household rates. This is the equivalent of ¤2,400. The second man who lives on the outskirts of Newry pays £1,400. The third pays ¤1,700. There is a significant difference between what is charged for one house and the next. I acknowledge that those living in more affluent places pay more.

How will collection be achieved? Will it be through direct debit? Will there be a deferred payment arrangement for those who cannot afford to pay a lump sum? How will the revenue benefit local authorities? Will the Minister confirm that the money will be spent in respective local authorities and be a major boost to those that have insufficient operating revenue?