Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 182: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the legal basis for imposing the monthly penalty charge of €20 for arrears of the non principal private residence charge in view of a claim by a property owner that they were unaware of the existence of this charge and that they were never informed of the charge by either his Department or the local authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38246/10]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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The Government in the Local Government (Charges) Act 2009 broadened the revenue base of local authorities through the introduction of the charge on non-principal private residences. The charge is set at €200 and is being levied and collected by local authorities. Income from the charge is used to support the provision of local services.

The charge is levied on a liability date in each year, and there is subsequently a three-month window in which to pay. Section 6 of the Act provides for a late payment fee of €20 to apply in respect of each month or part of a month for which the charge remains unpaid after that period. The Act places the onus on the owner to assess his or her liability for the charge in the first instance and there is no obligation on local authorities to issue demands or invoices.

On the charge's introduction in 2009, radio and newspaper campaigns were run by my Department in order 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.