Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

This amendment was discussed on Committee Stage. This is a rates issue and measures have already been taken earlier this year by the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government in this regard. The Local Government Reform Act 2014, enacted in January, introduced a repeal of subsequent occupier liability, the effect of which removed the liability placed on new occupiers of properties for up to two years of outstanding rates of the previous occupier. The commencement of the repeal was given effect to in SI No. 146/2014, Local Government Reform Act 2014 (Commencement of Certain Provisions) (No. 2) Order of 2014, and which took effect from 24 March 2014.

While we agree with Senator Byrne’s amendment in principle, we believe its aims have been realised in the Local Government Reform Act 2014.