John Whelan (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I will raise the burning issue across the country which concerns every householder; this is the vexed issue of the property tax. We must have a property tax and broaden the tax base, as there must be a fund to provide local services. Residents around the country cannot believe what is happening, as bills are emanating like confetti from the Revenue Commissioners. They are being sent to children and people who do not live in or even own the house to where the bill is sent. Moreover, people have a reasonable expectation that if the house in which they live is below standards and has structural faults or if the housing estate is incomplete, there could be a continuing exemption or waiver as seen under the household charge process. Nevertheless, last week such people woke up to the shocking news that they were being served with notice from the Revenue Commissioners about the property tax.

This needs to be revisited. It is unfair and it is important that if the public are to pay the tax, which they should, and if they are to embrace the tax, which is needed to fund local services, it is seen to be fair.

There was a great deal of publicity last week amidst speculation and media reportage that granny flats would incur a separate property charge. This issue was raised by one of my constituents from Mountmellick. Granny flats are used by people to look after an elderly relative. They are usually housed in a converted garage or an annex or extension to a home. However, having contacted the Revenue, officials have confirmed unequivocally that such flats will not incur a tax in their own right and this, at least, is some relief for householders.

Local authorities will receive 80% of the tax raised and there must be a direct link between the tax and local services. Thatched dwellings form part of our unique culture and heritage. There are fewer than 1,000 left in the country with only 30 in County Laois. Before long there will be none because they are costly to maintain and repair and it is difficult to secure insurance for such dwellings. However, if ever an exemption from the property tax was necessary, it should be for preserved heritage houses.