Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 155: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if any proposed water charges, household charge or site valuation tax will be applied to residents living in apartments; if such charges will apply to those individual householders or to their management companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14941/11]

Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 156: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to levy additional household charges on apartment dwellers in view of existing management company charges for householders and if such charges will be levied on those companies themselves; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14942/11]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 155 and 156 together.

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 apply to all residential property on a point-in-time basis. I will be bringing proposals to Government in the near future on the legislative and administrative requirements necessary to implement the household charge.

The Programme for Government also proposes the installation of water meters in individual households and the introduction of water charges based on usage above a free allowance. My Department is developing proposals to implement the metering programme, and further details will be made available following Government consideration of the proposals.