Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

91. To ask the Minister for Finance if he will request An Post to facilitate the payment of the local property tax through An Post savings stamps;; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20685/13]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Savings Stamps Scheme is a matter for An Post. I am advised by An Post that the scheme is a facility for customers to save up amounts for the sole purpose of making a deposit to a Post Office Savings Scheme, and that Savings Stamps are primarily bought by school children in schemes operated by many primary schools. Savings Stamps cannot be redeemed for cash or used as a payment method for any other service. Accordingly, the Savings Stamps Scheme cannot be used to pay Local Property Tax (LPT). I do not propose to request that An Post change the scheme. Local Property Tax (LPT) can be paid through An Post TaxPay, as well as through two other approved payment service providers, Payzone and Omnivend. The appointed service providers have extensive nationwide outlets and can process payment of LPT either in full as a single payment or by phased payments on a weekly or monthly basis as best suits individual needs, subject to the payment of transaction charges for the service.

Other phased payments options are available. With effect from 1 July 2013 payment of LPT can be made by way of deduction at source from employment, occupational pension income, or from certain payments made by the Departments of Social Protection and Agriculture, Food and the Marine. Phased payments can also be made by way of direct debit from the property owner’s current account in a bank or other financial institution, including a credit union.