Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 481: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the basis for the charging system set out in the Local Government (Charges) Act 2009; the reason the charge makes no reference to the size or value of a property; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36662/09]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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The Government has decided to broaden the revenue base of local authorities by introducing a charge on all non-principal private residences. The charge, which is set at €200, is payable by owners of private rented accommodation, holiday homes and any other residential property that is not the owner's sole or main residence.

In devising the charge, it was intended that it should be as simple and straightforward to administer as possible. This is an important principle in the introduction of any new taxation measure. The charge is set at a modest €200 and should not, therefore, give rise to concerns of equity in the context of those to whom it will apply.