James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 444: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the provision that has been made for persons living abroad who are unaware of the non-principal private residence tax and are facing penalties on top of the €200 tax; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36339/10]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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The Local Government (Charges) Act 2009, which introduced the non-principal private residence charge, places the onus on individual property owners to assess their liability for the charge in the first instance. A person who is ordinarily resident abroad and owns a property in the State which is not his or her main residence would be liable for the charge in the same manner as a person resident in the State.

On the charge's introduction in 2009, radio and newspaper campaigns were run by my Department to ensure public awareness of the charge. Local authorities have also undertaken advertising campaigns this year, both locally and nationally. In addition, a number of local authorities have separately sent reminders to property owners registered with the Private Residential Tenancies Board (PRTB). In this regard, every effort has been made to ensure that property owners are aware of the charge and any potential liability arising therefrom.