John Lyons (Dublin North West, Labour)
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180. To ask the Minister for Finance if a family (details supplied) in Dublin 11 will be contacted again by the Revenue Commissioners to discuss an outstanding liability for the household charge for 2012; if a payment plan will be considered in view of their limited means; and if further consideration may be given for discretion in their case in view of their circumstances. [44130/14]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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I am advised by Revenue that with effect from 1 July 2013, Section 156 of the Finance (Local Property Tax) Act 2012 (as amended) converted all arrears of Household Charge (HHC) to Local Property Tax (LPT), increased any outstanding liabilities to €200 and made Revenue responsible for their collection. Revenue does not have any discretion in regard to the amount that must be paid and is obliged to administer the law as set down in the legislation.

In regard to the specific case to which the Deputy refers, Revenue has confirmed that direct contact has already been made with one of the property owners by a member of the LPT team. The team member explained the background to the HHC liability to the person and also outlined the various phased payment options that are available to her should she wish to spread the payment out over the remaining weeks of the year.

The team member also advised the person that she qualified for deferral of both HHC and LPT on the basis of their combined income level but she declined the option and confirmed that she preferred to pay the outstanding liability. The team member then assisted the person in setting up her preferred phased payment option through one of the approved payment service providers (PSP's).  

Revenue has assured me that the couple's HHC obligations are now being fully met through the phased arrangement, which is operating in the manner that best suits their individual circumstances.