Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
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Question 364: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will consider amending the electronic payment system for the non-principal private residence charge in order that a notice would be sent to registered users warning them either of an impending payment deadline or a non-payment of the charge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21300/11]

Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
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Question 365: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will consider amending the Local Government (Charges) Act 2009 to allow an appeal mechanism for the non-principal private residence charge, in view of the fact that registered users do not received noticed of missed payments via the electronic system currently in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21301/11]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 364 and 365 together.

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. The Act places the onus on the owner to assess his or her liability in the first instance and there is no obligation on local authorities to issue invoices or demands.

I understand, however, that e-mail and postal reminder notifications have been issued to those who paid the charge last year in respect of their possible liability for 2011. I have no plans at present to amend the Local Government (Charges) Act 2009 or the payment arrangements with regard to the charge on non-principal private residences.