Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 143: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if the envisaged imposition of charges on property will take into account the existing €200 charge on owners of non-residential houses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14786/11]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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The EU/IMF Programme of Financial Support for Ireland under its fiscal consolidation measures commits to the introduction of a property tax for 2012 and to an increase in the property tax for 2013. The Programme reflects the need, in the context of the State's overall financial position, to put the funding of locally delivered services on a sound financial footing, improve accountability and better align the cost of providing services with the demand for such services.

In light of the complex issues involved, a property tax, requiring a comprehensive property valuation system, would take time to introduce and accordingly, to meet the revenue measure in the EU/IMF Programme, I have already indicated my intention to introduce a household charge in 2012. This will be introduced on a flat rate basis, and will be completely separate to the NPPR charge. I will be bringing proposals to Government in the near future on the legislative and administrative requirements necessary to implement the household charge.