David Cullinane (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

When the Minister for Finance introduced the property tax on budget day and mentioned the deferral system, there was an element of relief among Government backbenchers who appeared to be of the view that there might be something positive in this. The sting in the tail is that the interest rate applicable to those who choose the deferral option is 4%. In effect, we are penalising people who cannot afford to pay the property tax by charging them interest. Why we have to do so is beyond me. This is clearly a punitive measure which is being applied to those who may be forced into opting for deferral. It is appalling that we would either give advice to people or that individuals, by virtue of their circumstances, will be obliged, as the Minister of State said, to ask their loved ones to pay their property tax when they die. Why is Senator Aideen Hayden gasping?