Alan Farrell (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Finance his views on the possibility of including all homes that have tested positive for category 1 pyrite to receive an exemption from the property tax; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12663/13]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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Section 10A of the Finance (Local Property Tax) Act 2012 (as amended) provides for an exemption for a temporary period from the charge to Local Property Tax (LPT) for residential properties that have been certified as having “significant pyritic damage”. This is in line with the recommendation of the independent Pyrite Panel established by my colleague, the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government. I am advised by the Minister that he will be making regulations shortly setting out the methodology for the assessment of dwellings to establish significant pyritic damage. The primary route for homeowners to demonstrate significant pyritic damage will be in accordance with the recently published standard by the National Standards Authority of Ireland, IS 398 – Reactive Pyrite in sub-floor hardcore material – Part 1. This standard provides guidance on the visual condition assessment, sampling regime and testing to be carried out. The standard must be used for all assessment and testing undertaken after its publication date of 29 January 2013. The Revenue Commissioners will not be carrying out tests for pyrite. I am assuming that, by “category 1 pyrite”, the Deputy is referring to “damage rating 1” under IS 398 . I am advised by the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government that “damage rating 1” will not qualify as “significant pyritic damage” and therefore will not qualify for an exemption from LPT. I am not proposing to change the exemption as provided for in the LPT legislation.