Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent)
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228. To ask the Minister for Finance the reason for the change in the number of weeks over which the local property tax is deducted from the State pension from 52 weeks to 50; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1305/18]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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I am advised by Revenue that the Local Property Tax (LPT) deduction at source payment option, which includes a number of Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection (DEASP) schemes, is a very efficient and cost effective method for property owners to meet their obligations.

There are no fees or charges associated with the option and once selected it automatically carries forward to following years unless an alternative payment method is selected.

The change from a 52 week to a 50 week cycle was implemented with effect from 2018 at the request of DEASP to ensure its customers received the full benefit of the Christmas Bonus and double week payment arrangement. The change to a fifty week cycle will have minimal impact on the amounts to be deducted, for example a property owner paying an LPT liability of €268 per year (Band 3) will pay €5.36 per week rather than €5.15 per week over a fifty two week cycle.

Revenue has assured me that if the reduced payment cycle creates a difficulty for any individuals it will be happy to engage with them to agree a suitable alternative.