In view of the grave concern that the Government's servile acceptance of the troika diktat for a property tax - in reality, a home tax - is causing ordinary people living in modest homes, can we have clarity on the timeframe as to how this will be worked out?

Is the Deputy inquiring about legislation?

I am referring to No. 16 on the Government's legislative programme.

To which Bill does the Deputy refer?

I refer to the finance (local property tax) Bill.

Will the Taosieach indicate when the Bill is due?

It is a little more complicated than that. The Thornhill report will be an important basis for this legislation, but the Taoiseach has indicated that it has not yet been brought to the Cabinet and is still with the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government. When will it be brought to the Cabinet and published?

Second, the finance (local property tax) Bill is listed for the Department of Finance in the legislative programme, suggesting the Minister for Finance will introduce it. What is the crossover between the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government and the Department of Finance in this instance? Which Minister will be responsible for this horrifically regressive legislation?

I realise the Deputy must get his fix for organising protest meetings and I am glad, therefore, to offer him clarity on the matter.

The decision that was made is that there will be a property tax which will apply from July next year. The Revenue Commissioners were mandated by the Government to put together the mechanics of the scheme and the Minister for Finance will provide all the details and clarity the Deputy requires in the budget.

When will the Thornhill report go before the Cabinet?

In the not too distant future.