Aodhán Ó Ríordáin (Dublin North Central, Labour)
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Question 398: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide clarification on a matter (details supplied) relating to the household charge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16393/12]

Nicky McFadden (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 409: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if a person (details supplied) is liable to pay the household charge on an auxiliary building within a household property; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16612/12]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 398 and 409 together.

The Local Government (Household Charge) Act 2011 and the Local Government (Household Charge) Regulations 2012 provide the legislative basis for the household charge.

The household charge is on a self assessment basis and interpretation of the legislation is a matter for legal advice in individual cases and ultimately a matter for the Courts.

Section 2 of the Act provides that residential property means a building that is situated in the State and that is occupied, or suitable for occupation, as a separate dwelling, whether or not the occupier shares, or would be entitled to share, in connection therewith, any accommodation, amenity or facility with any other person, and includes a house, maisonette, flat or apartment (including the form of accommodation commonly known as a bedsit). The household charge is payable in respect of each unit of accommodation that is occupied, or suitable for occupation, as a separate dwelling.