Caít Keane (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We are always evolving and changing. As it has been 600 years since the last Pope retired, one never knows.

However, I did not rise to speak about such an evolution. I wanted to raise the issue of development levies and the manner in which they are being interpreted differently nationwide. I refer to manner in which the question of whether the levy follows the developer or the person living in the house is being implemented. This is an important issue because Members will have noted that people in County Wicklow are being billed by Wicklow County Council for huge sums of as much as ¤4,000. While it is important that all development and outstanding levies be paid, it also is important that there should be fairness in how that is implemented. I refer to scenarios in which, having purchased their houses, people have letters from solicitors regarding the deeds and that a search having been done, there are no outstanding charges on the deed or whatever. The Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government should issue a statement in this regard because it must be implemented uniformly nationwide. At present, different statements are coming from different councils and from the aforementioned Department. One council has stated it is following the developer while another has stated it was thinking about following the purchaser. The Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government stated it was a matter for each local authority. It is a matter to be implemented fairly throughout the country and I ask the Leader to request that the aforementioned Department issue a statement on this matter and on how it is to be implemented. While it is important for local authorities to ensure they get their levies, they must get them fairly.